The government on Friday informed the Lok Sabha that 18,646 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) are currently operational across the country under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), significantly improving access to affordable generic medicines.
Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Anupriya Patel shared the data in a written reply.
State-Wise Presence: Maharashtra and MP Lead
- Maharashtra: 727 Kendras
- Madhya Pradesh: 634 Kendras
The scheme has expanded rapidly across states, improving availability of low-cost medicines.
Wide Range of Medicines and Products
The Jan Aushadhi network offers an extensive product basket:
- 2,110 medicines
- 315 surgical items and medical devices
These cover key therapeutic areas such as:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Infections and allergies
- Gastrointestinal disorders
Most medicines listed under the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) are included in the scheme.
Product Basket Expands Rapidly
The number of products has grown significantly:
- 1,654 items (2020-21)
- 2,425 items (2024-25)
This expansion reflects the increasing reach and effectiveness of the initiative.
Incentives for Store Owners
To promote participation, the government provides financial incentives:
- 10% of monthly purchases (up to ₹10,000)
- Additional ₹10,000 incentive for stocking 200 high-demand medicines
The scheme operates on a franchise-like model, allowing individuals, NGOs, trusts, and private entities to open Kendras.
Strong Supply Chain and Digital Monitoring
The government has strengthened supply and availability through:
- IT-enabled supply chain system
- 5 warehouses and 41 distributors nationwide
- Monitoring of 400 fast-moving products
- Digitised demand forecasting
Since September 2024, Kendras are encouraged to stock 200 commonly used medicines to prevent shortages.
₹40,000 Crore Savings for Citizens
The scheme has led to an estimated ₹40,000 crore savings in out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, making essential medicines more affordable for millions.
Target: 25,000 Kendras by 2027
The government has set an ambitious goal to expand the network to 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras by March 2027, with a focus on:
- Underserved regions
- Tribal and remote areas
State and Union Territory governments have also been encouraged to support the initiative by providing rent-free spaces in public health facilities.
Boost to Affordable Healthcare
The PMBJP scheme continues to play a crucial role in:
- Reducing healthcare costs
- Improving medicine accessibility
- Strengthening public health infrastructure
