Medicines at Jan Aushadhi Kendras

Under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, a total of 17,990 JAKs have been opened across the country as on 31.12.2025. The State-wise /Union Territory-wise number of JAKs opened across the country is at Annexure I. Under the Scheme, dedicated outlets known as Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) are opened across the country to provide medicines at rates that are about 50% to 80% cheaper than those of equivalent branded alternatives.

Paragraph 1.5 of the Code of Medical Ethics in the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002 requires that every physician should prescribe drugs with generic names legibly and preferably in capital letters and that the physician shall ensure that there is a rational prescription and use of drugs. Moreover, the Medical Council of India has issued circular date 21.04.2017 (Annexure II) directing all registered medical practitioners to comply with the said requirement.

In addition to above, the scheme implementing agency i.e. Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) takes steps to apprise doctors about the scheme and the benefits of generic medicines. The doctors are briefed about the quality and affordability of Janaushadhi medicines through these campaigns. Further, extensive media campaigns are carried out to create awareness among the citizens so that they can request for prescriptions of generic medicines during consultations with their physicians/doctors.

The State-wise /Union Territory-wise number of JAKs opened as on 31.12.2025

Annexure II

Medical Council of India circular date 21.04.2017

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Smt. Anupriya Patel, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.