New Delhi: HL July 23, 2026
Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Jagat Prakash Nadda informed the Lok Sabha that the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has significantly expanded access to affordable, quality generic medicines across India. The scheme has helped citizens save an estimated 45,000 crore over the past 12 years by reducing dependence on costlier branded medicines.
According to the minister, 20,149 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) were operational across the country as of June 30, 2026, covering 776 of India’s 784 districts. The initiative has played a key role in lowering out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, particularly benefiting people in smaller towns and rural areas.
The Jan Aushadhi product basket now includes 2,110 medicines and 315 surgical items, medical consumables and devices, covering major therapeutic categories such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, infections, allergies and gastrointestinal disorders. Most medicines listed under the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) are available through the scheme.
The government said continuous monitoring is carried out to ensure adequate stock availability and prevent shortages of essential medicines. To improve supply, Jan Aushadhi Kendras have been encouraged to maintain stocks of 200 commonly used medicines, supported by a monthly incentive introduced in September 2024. A technology-enabled supply chain, including central and regional warehouses along with distributors nationwide, has also strengthened product availability.
To increase public awareness, the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) regularly conducts campaigns through television, radio, print, social media, community outreach programmes, health camps and the annual Jan Aushadhi Week observed in the first week of March. Citizen engagement is further supported through WhatsApp chatbots, outbound calls and awareness drives in rural areas using local languages.
The government also continues to encourage entrepreneurs, including women, youth, ex-servicemen, Divyangjan and members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, to open Jan Aushadhi Kendras. Eligible applicants in North-Eastern states, Himalayan regions, island territories and Aspirational Districts receive a one-time financial incentive of ₹2 lakh to establish new centres.
Responding to a question in the Lok Sabha, the minister stated that district-wise assessments regarding awareness or accessibility issues in Katni, Panna and Khajuraho districts of Madhya Pradesh are currently not available. However, efforts to expand coverage and improve access continue, especially in underserved districts.
Key Points
Rs. 45,000 crore estimated savings for citizens over the last 12 years.
20,149 Jan Aushadhi Kendras operational as of June 30, 2026.
Network covers 776 out of 784 districts nationwide.
Product basket includes 2,110 medicines and 315 surgical and medical products.
Monthly incentives encourage stocking of 200 commonly used medicines.
Strong IT-enabled supply chain improves medicine availability.
Awareness campaigns conducted through media, health camps and Jan Aushadhi Week.
Rs. 2 lakh incentive offered to eligible entrepreneurs in special categories and regions.
Government prioritising expansion in underserved districts.
