> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://newsanek.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana: buy quality generic medicines at low prices - URL: https://newsanek.com/pm-janaushadhi-pariyojana/ - Published: 2026-11-07T04:32:47.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-07T12:20:16.000Z - Description: Jan Aushadhi Kendras sell generic medicines that match branded ones in quality, at much lower prices. Here is what is sold, where to find a store, and how to open one. - Author: Kumar Ujjwal - Tags: Govt Schemes, #scheme-health, #scheme-for-all, #scheme-all-india Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check. __At a glance__ | Scheme | Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) | | ---------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Ministry or Department | Department of Pharmaceuticals, Govt of India (earlier under Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers) | | Benefit | Quality generic medicines, surgical items and sanitary napkins at much lower prices | | Who can use it | Everyone, across India | | How it is given | Sold over the counter at Jan Aushadhi Kendras | | Where to find a store | janaushadhi.gov.in or your nearest Jan Aushadhi Kendra | | Cost to buy | Medicines are paid for at the store, at the low generic price | ### Key points - Generic medicines are as effective as branded ones, at lower prices. - Over 2,000 generic drugs and 300 surgical items are sold. - Suvidha sanitary napkins are sold for Rs 1 each. - Check the official site to find a store near you. ## So what exactly can you buy, and what does it save? Jan Aushadhi Kendras sell generic medicines. These are cheaper than branded medicines but equal in quality and effect. By 2024, more than 2,000 types of generic drugs and over 300 surgical products were on sale. Five Ayurvedic products were also added. Protein supplements for men and women are sold too, at a lower price than branded ones. Suvidha sanitary napkins are sold for Rs 1 each at all kendras. Over 70 crore napkins have been sold so far. Official figures say over Rs 30,000 crore has been saved for people through these sales. Prices and product lists can change, so check janaushadhi.gov.in for the latest rates. Janaushadhi scheme at a glance **Rs 30,000 crore**Saved for people through sales **Over 2,000**Generic drug types on sale **Over 70 crore**Suvidha napkins sold **17,610**Kendras open in latest count Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report ## Who can use it, and is there any condition? This scheme is open to everyone in India. There is no income limit and no card to show. Anyone can walk into a Jan Aushadhi Kendra and buy medicines. You do not need to be poor or belong to any category. If a store is not near you, check the official site to see the nearest one. ## Why was the scheme started, and what has changed? The scheme began in 2008 as the Jan Aushadhi Scheme. It was renamed in 2016 as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana. It is run by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, with the Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertakings of India coordinating supply. The government has set a target of 25,000 kendras by March 2027\. About 17,610 kendras were open in the latest count, with southern states leading. ## Which documents should you keep ready? For buying medicines, you usually need only a valid doctor's prescription for prescription medicines. Keep the prescription and the bill safe. Some medicines need a prescription by law, so carry it every time. No Aadhaar card or ration card is needed to buy from a Jan Aushadhi Kendra. ## How do you find a store and buy, step by step? Go to janaushadhi.gov.in and look for the store locator to find a kendra near you. Visit the kendra with your prescription. Ask the staff for the generic name of your medicine. Pay at the counter and keep the bill. The price will be lower than the brand price. You can also ask a local chemist or pharmacist whether a generic version is available. ## How can you open a store, or get help if something goes wrong? Government hospitals, medical colleges, private entrepreneurs, pharmacists and NGOs can open a kendra. A one-time grant of up to Rs 2.5 lakh is available for some kendras. Kendra owners get incentives on sales, as per the official rules. Check the official site for current rates. If a medicine is not available, or you have a complaint, use the grievance option on janaushadhi.gov.in. Be careful of agents who ask for money to get a kendra or a supply. Pay only to the official kendra counter. ## Frequently asked questions ### Are Jan Aushadhi medicines as good as branded ones? Yes, the scheme says generic medicines are equal to branded ones in quality and effect. They are tested before sale. ### Do I need a card to buy? No. Anyone can buy from a Jan Aushadhi Kendra without any card or income proof. ### Can I get a discount on all medicines? The discount is on generic versions. Some branded medicines may not have a generic version available at the kendra. ### Where can I find the nearest store? Use the store locator on janaushadhi.gov.in, or ask at your nearest chemist. ### Is there an age limit? No. Anyone can buy from a Jan Aushadhi Kendra at any age. ### Official links - [Official website](https://janaushadhi.gov.in/?ref=newsanek.com) This guide is based on official scheme rules. Rules and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply. News Anek is not a government website.