India, July 24 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), the implementing agency of the PMBJP scheme, undertakes continuous evaluation of Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) on the basis of their sale performance. Such evaluation, along with the performance of the scheme, indicates that PMBJP has significantly improved access to quality generic medicines at affordable prices across the country, through a rapidly expanding network of Jan Aushadhi Kendras. In the last 12 years, estimated savings of about Rs.45,000 crore have accrued to citizens, when compared against the prices of branded medicines, contributing significantly to a sharp reduction in out-of-pocket expenditure by households and improving access to affordable medicines across the country including smaller towns and rural areas.
As on 30.06.2026, a total of 20,149 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) have been opened across the country.
The product basket under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Yojna has 2,110 medicines and 315 surgicals, medical consumables and devices, covering all major therapeutic groups, such as cardiovascular, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-infectives, anti-allergic and gastro-intestinal medicines and nutraceuticals. Almost all generic medicines included in the National List of Essential Medicines, except lab reagents and vaccines, are part of this product basket.
Continuous monitoring and appropriate corrective measures are undertaken to minimize stock shortage and ensure availability of essential medicines across the country.
District-wise assessment in respect of Katni, Panna and Khajuraho districts of Madhya Pradesh regarding low public awareness, non-prescription of generic medicines or accessibility gaps are not currently available.
However, in order to promote acceptability and to increase sale of medicines supplied through JAKs, targeted awareness campaigns about the benefits of Janaushadhi medicines are conducted on a regular basis:
JAKs are opened by inviting applications from individual entrepreneurs, non-governmental organisations, societies, trusts, firms, private companies, etc. Online applications have been invited from all districts of the country, including underserved blocks, through the website www.janaushadhi.gov.in.
Presently, 776 out of 784 districts of the country are covered. To facilitate opening of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in the underserved districts, PMBI is in touch with the concerned administration/district magistrate for providing free space to the applicants in government hospitals. Further, the districts having less coverage of Jan Aushadhi Kendras are given special focus for opening of JAKs.
To address any supply gaps and ensure smooth supply and product availability at JAKs, the following measures are in place:
For promotion of women and youth entrepreneurs and improved last-mile access to affordable medicines following steps have been taken: -
This information was given by Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Shri. Jagat Prakash Nadda in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
