AI SummaryPradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana is a government-led health scheme that provides quality generic medicines to all Indian citizens at highly affordable prices through dedicated Janaushadhi Kendras, helping families cut down their out-of-pocket treatment costs across the country. Over 18,000 such Kendras are now operational and the government plans to take this number to 25,000 by March 2027.
Generic medicines sold under this scheme are priced 50% to 80% lower than comparable branded medicines, yet they carry the same therapeutic value. The scheme is run by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana - Introduction
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals in November 2008 as a way to make quality healthcare affordable for everyone. Branded medicines often come with high price tags, while generic versions offer the exact same treatment value at a fraction of the cost. By operating Janaushadhi Kendras, the scheme makes sure that even people in rural and remote areas can get essential drugs.
As of 2026, the scheme sells more than 2,110 medicines, 315 surgical items, and other medical consumables and devices across 29 therapeutic categories. These include anti-infectives, anti-diabetics, cardiovascular drugs, anti-cancer medications, and gastrointestinal treatments. On average, about 10 to 12 lakh people visit these Kendras every day.
The main aims of the scheme are:
- Make sure every section of society, especially poor families, can get quality medicines without spending too much.
- Spread awareness that affordable generic medicines work just as well as expensive branded ones.
- Encourage self-employment by helping individual entrepreneurs open their own Janaushadhi Kendras.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Business and Entrepreneurship, Health and Wellness, Skills and Employment, Social Welfare and Empowerment |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers |
| Implementing Agency | Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) |
| Operational Kendras | Over 18,000 (target 25,000 by March 2027) |
| Open Date | 2008-04-23 |
| Official Website | janaushadhi.gov.in |
Benefits
This scheme helps both patients and entrepreneurs. Kendra owners get financial support and incentives, while patients save a large amount on their treatment costs. Operators earn a 20% trade margin on the MRP of each drug, excluding taxes.
Financial Incentives for Kendra Owners:
| Incentive Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Normal Incentive | Up to ₹ 5,00,000 (20% of monthly purchases, max ₹ 20,000 per month) |
| Special Incentive | One-time ₹ 2,00,000 for women, Divyang, SC/ST entrepreneurs and Kendras in aspirational districts, Himalayan, Island and North-Eastern regions |
The special incentive of ₹ 2,00,000 is split into ₹ 1,50,000 for furniture and fixtures and ₹ 50,000 for computer, internet, printer and scanner. This is a one-time grant for opening a new Kendra, subject to original bills and actual expenditure. Women, Divyang, SC/ST entrepreneurs and those opening Kendras in aspirational districts, Himalayan, Island territories and North-Eastern states get this on top of the normal incentive.
Other key benefits of the scheme include:
- Generic medicines are priced 50% to 80% lower than branded alternatives, and all drugs are procured from WHO-GMP certified suppliers.
- Every batch is tested at NABL-accredited laboratories before it reaches the Kendras, so quality is never compromised.
- Janaushadhi Suvidha sanitary napkins are available at just ₹ 1 per pad, and more than 100 crore pads have been sold by 31 January 2026.
- The Jan Aushadhi Sugam mobile app helps people find the nearest Kendra, check medicine availability, and compare prices with branded options.
Eligibility
Anyone who meets the following criteria can apply to open a Janaushadhi Kendra:
- Individual applicants who hold a D. Pharma or B. Pharma degree. If you do not hold one, you should hire a qualified pharmacist who does.
- Organizations, NGOs, societies, trusts, firms, and hospitals are also eligible, provided they employ qualified pharmacists.
- Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) can also apply online to open Kendras using their rural network and existing infrastructure.
- Preference is given to charitable organizations in government hospital settings, though individuals remain eligible.
Application Process
You can apply for your own Kendra online by following these simple steps:
STEP 1 - Visit the official portal at janaushadhi.gov.in.
STEP 2 - Go to the 'Apply for Kendra' section and select the option to apply online for your district and state.
STEP 3 - Register using your unique mobile number and email ID to receive your user ID and password.
STEP 4 - Log in to the application dashboard and pay the non-refundable application fee of ₹ 5,000 into the designated PMBI virtual account.
STEP 5 - Fill in your details, upload the required documents in PDF or JPEG format under 200KB, and submit your application.
If you prefer an offline method, download the application form from the official website, fill it out, and send it to the Chief Executive Officer, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI). The ₹ 5,000 fee is waived for women entrepreneurs, Divyang individuals, and applicants from SC/ST communities or aspirational districts.
Documents
You should have the following documents ready for your application:
- Proof of space: Ownership documents or a valid lease agreement for at least 120 sq. feet.
- Pharmacist details: Registration certificate from the State Pharmacy Council.
- Financial proof: ITR documents for the last two years and a 6-month bank statement.
- Licenses: Valid Retail Drug License issued in the name of 'Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Kendra'.
- Identity proof: Aadhaar Card and PAN Card.
- Specific category proofs: SC/ST/Divyang certificate or proof of business location in aspirational or special terrain districts where applicable.
References
Guidelines for opening a Kendra | Official Website | Kendra Locator | Department of Pharmaceuticals
FAQ's
What is Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana?
This is a central government scheme that provides quality generic medicines at affordable prices through specialized outlets known as Janaushadhi Kendras. These medicines are as effective as branded ones but cost much less.
Are generic medicines as good as branded ones?
Yes, generic medications contain the same active ingredients and offer the same therapeutic efficacy as branded medicines, but at a fraction of the cost. All medicines are procured from WHO-GMP certified suppliers and tested at NABL-accredited laboratories.
How much can a Kendra owner earn?
Operators earn a 20% trade margin on the MRP of each drug. They can also get a normal incentive of up to ₹ 5,00,000, paid at 20% of monthly purchases with a cap of ₹ 20,000 per month. Eligible entrepreneurs get an extra one-time special incentive of ₹ 2,00,000.
Who is eligible to open a Kendra?
Individuals, NGOs, societies, trusts, firms, and government-nominated agencies can open a center. You should either be a pharmacist yourself or hire one to manage the outlet's operations.
How many Kendras are running now?
Over 18,000 Janaushadhi Kendras are operational across India as of 2026, and the government aims to expand this network to 25,000 Kendras by March 2027.