PMBJP / Jan Aushadhi
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) operates India's largest dedicated generic medicine retail network — the Jan Aushadhi stores. Launched in 2008 and significantly expanded since 2015, the scheme has grown from a few hundred stores to 14,000+ stores, covering every district.
**Why Generic Medicines Are Cheaper:**
Branded drugs include R&D cost recovery, marketing, brand premium. Generic medicines contain identical active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), same dosage, same bioequivalence — but without brand overhead. Jan Aushadhi medicines are WHO-GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified — the same quality standard as branded medicines. The cost is lower purely because there is no brand premium.
**Example Savings:**
- Metformin 500mg (Diabetes): Branded ~₹35/10 tablets → Jan Aushadhi: ₹2.50/10 tablets (93% saving)
- Atorvastatin 10mg (Cholesterol): Branded ~₹60/10 → Jan Aushadhi: ₹4/10 (93% saving)
- Amoxicillin 500mg (Antibiotic): Branded ~₹85/10 → Jan Aushadhi: ₹12/10 (86% saving)
- Pantoprazole 40mg (Acidity): Branded ~₹45/10 → Jan Aushadhi: ₹3.50/10 (92% saving)
For a diabetic patient taking 5 medicines daily, monthly branded medicine cost could be ₹2,000–₹5,000. The same medicines from Jan Aushadhi: ₹200–₹500. Annual saving: ₹20,000–₹55,000.
**What is Sold:**
2,047 generic medicines covering: cardiac drugs, anti-diabetics, antibiotics, analgesics, anti-allergics, vitamins, anti-cancer drugs, blood thinners, neurological drugs, hormones, eye and ear drops, skin ointments, and surgical consumables (sutures, dressings, syringes).
**The Jan Aushadhi Store Franchise:**
The government incentivises store operators: ₹2.5 lakh for furniture + ₹2 lakh initial medicine stock credit + monthly sales incentive of 15% on first ₹1 lakh in monthly sales + 10% incentive on next ₹1 lakh. SC/ST and women operators get an extra ₹50,000 grant. Store operators also earn 20% margin on every sale — making it a viable small business.
**Quality Assurance:**
Every Jan Aushadhi medicine batch is tested at NABL-accredited laboratories before supply. BPPI (Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India) is the procurement agency and maintains strict quality control. QR codes on packages link to quality certificates.
Key Objectives
- Make quality generic medicines accessible to all at affordable prices — 50%–90% below branded.
- Reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure for patients — especially chronic disease patients.
- Expand Jan Aushadhi store network to every block level across India.
- Generate employment through store franchises while serving public health.
Benefits
Eligibility
- Any citizen can buy from Jan Aushadhi stores — no eligibility restriction
- For opening a Jan Aushadhi store: individual, NGO, hospital, or organisation with a pharmacy licence
- Pharmacist (D.Pharma/B.Pharma) must be deployed at the store (can be hired)
- Store applicants need a space of minimum 120 sq.ft in a residential/commercial area
- Pharmacy licence (retail drug licence under Drugs and Cosmetics Act) required for store
- Registered as a sole proprietor, partnership, or company
- Hospital in-premises store possible — government hospital stores don't need retail drug licence in many states
How to Apply
To BUY medicines: Visit nearest Jan Aushadhi store (find at janaushadhi.gov.in → Store Locator)
To OPEN a store:
Step 1: Register on janaushadhi.gov.in → Apply for Jan Aushadhi Store
Step 2: Submit application with retail drug licence, premises documents, pharmacy qualification
Step 3: BPPI reviews application — field verification of premises
Step 4: On approval, sign MoU with BPPI
Step 5: ₹2 lakh medicine stock credit given to set up initial inventory
Step 6: ₹2.5 lakh furniture support provided or reimbursed
Step 7: Store becomes operational — order medicines from BPPI's warehouse (free delivery for large orders)
Required Documents
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Jan Aushadhi medicines as good as branded medicines?
Yes. Jan Aushadhi medicines contain the identical active pharmaceutical ingredient (API/molecule) in the same dosage and bioequivalence as branded medicines. They are manufactured at WHO-GMP certified facilities and every batch is tested at NABL-accredited laboratories. The difference is only the brand name and packaging — not the medicine itself. Regulatory bodies (CDSCO) apply the same quality standards to both branded and generic medicines.
How do I find the nearest Jan Aushadhi store?
Visit janaushadhi.gov.in → Store Locator → Enter your state and district. Alternatively, search 'Jan Aushadhi store near me' on Google Maps — all registered stores are geo-listed. You can also call the helpline 1800-180-8080 to find your nearest store. With 14,000+ stores, most districts have at least one store.
Can I get my doctor's prescription filled at Jan Aushadhi?
Yes — but the prescription must be for the generic (INN/salt) name or your pharmacist must be able to identify the generic equivalent. If your prescription says 'Metformin 500mg', Jan Aushadhi has it. If it says a brand name like 'Glucophage 500mg', ask the Jan Aushadhi pharmacist — they can identify the generic equivalent. The 2016 Medical Council regulations also require doctors to prescribe by generic name when possible.
How do I open a Jan Aushadhi store? What is the investment and earning?
To open: apply at janaushadhi.gov.in, get a retail drug licence, have 120+ sq.ft space, deploy a qualified pharmacist. Investment: approximately ₹1–₹2 lakh of your own money (government provides ₹2.5 lakh furniture support + ₹2 lakh stock credit). Earnings: 20% margin on all sales + 15% monthly incentive on first ₹1 lakh sales for 24 months. A store with ₹1.5 lakh/month sales earns ₹30,000–₹45,000/month gross. SC/ST/Women operators get an additional ₹50,000 grant.
My medicine is not available at the Jan Aushadhi store. What should I do?
Jan Aushadhi covers 2,047 medicines — but some rare, specialty, or newly approved drugs may not be in the formulary. Options: (1) Ask the store owner to order the medicine — BPPI adds new medicines periodically; (2) Check if a therapeutic equivalent (same drug class, similar mechanism) is available in the formulary; (3) Buy from a private chemist for that specific medicine. You can also suggest the medicine for addition to the formulary through the BPPI website.