The central government’s Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is offering significant discounts on essential medicines, with savings of up to 90%. The scheme is aimed at making healthcare more affordable and accessible to the general public across India.
During a visit to the Jan Aushadhi warehouse in Gurugram, Haryana, ANI observed how these low-cost medicines are distributed nationwide. Dr. Arunish Chawla, Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, highlighted that the government’s flagship Jan Aushadhi program is rapidly expanding. “From the Red Fort, PM Modi announced our goal to increase the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras from 10,000 to 25,000 over the next three years. Currently, over 13,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras are operational across the country,” he said.
Ravi Dadhich, CEO of the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), provided insights into the large-scale production process behind Janaushadhi medicines. He noted that over 10,000 manufacturing units across various states contribute to the program, all of which meet WHO-GMP certification standards to ensure high-quality products. “We place orders with manufacturers certified by WHO-GMP, ensuring that the medicines are of the highest quality. After meeting the required standards, the medicines are sent to our central warehouse,” he explained.
He further elaborated on the nationwide distribution network, mentioning additional warehouses in Guwahati, Chennai, Bangalore, and Surat that cater to regional demands. Once received at the central warehouse, the medicines undergo anonymization and retesting at NABL-accredited labs before distribution.
“These medicines are sold through our 13,000 Janaushadhi centres, and they are 50% to 90% cheaper than their branded counterparts,” Dadhich stated. He emphasized that while most medicines offer a minimum of 50% savings, some provide discounts of up to 90%, making the scheme a vital resource for affordable healthcare in India.
The government aims to further expand the reach of the PMBJP in the coming years, ensuring that high-quality, affordable medicines are available to all citizens.