By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : July 24, 2026 5:44 pm
PMBJP now offers 2,110 medicines and 315 surgicals and medical devices at prices 50–80% lower than branded alternatives
The Government of India has operationalised 20,149 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) across the country under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) as of June 30, 2026.
It has set a target of opening 25,000 Kendras by March 2027 to further improve access to affordable generic medicines.
As per information shared by Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Jagat Prakash Nadda, the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Tamil Nadu has 1,631 Jan Aushadhi Kendras, including 74 Kendras in the Kallakurichi Lok Sabha constituency, while Uttar Pradesh leads the country with 4,226 Kendras.
Other states with a large network include Kerala (1,833), Karnataka (1,720), Bihar (1,304) and West Bengal (1,014).
The PMBJP product basket currently comprises 2,110 medicines and 315 surgicals, medical consumables and medical devices, covering major therapeutic areas such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, infections, allergies and gastrointestinal disorders. These medicines are available at prices 50% to 80% lower than branded alternatives, according to the government.
To ensure product quality, the government said medicines supplied under the scheme are sourced only from WHO Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP)-certified manufacturers, with every batch undergoing quality testing before distribution. Testing is conducted in NABL-accredited laboratories that also comply with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
The government has also introduced several measures to improve product availability, including incentives for Jan Aushadhi Kendras to stock 200 commonly used medicines, a technology-enabled supply chain supported by five warehouses and 42 distributors, and continuous monitoring of 400 fast-moving products to strengthen procurement planning.
An independent evaluation conducted during FY 2023-24 found that the expansion of the Jan Aushadhi network has significantly improved the availability and accessibility of affordable quality medicines, particularly in rural, remote and underserved regions.