Jan Aushadhi Diwas: Promoting Affordable Healthcare Through Generic Medicines

Every year, March 7th is celebrated as ‘Jan Aushadhi Diwas’ to raise awareness about the importance of generic medicines and promote their usage across India. The event is a part of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), which aims to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the public.

To mark this occasion, a week-long series of events is organized nationwide from March 1st to March 7th, focusing on spreading awareness about the availability and benefits of low-cost generic medicines. This year, the celebrations began on March 1st, with a flagship event held in the National Capital Region (NCR) to highlight the scheme’s impact.

What is Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)?

The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) was launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers in collaboration with Central Pharma Public Sector Undertakings. The initiative aims to:

• Make high-quality medicines affordable and accessible to all.
• Provide medicines through dedicated outlets known as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs).
• Reduce dependency on branded medicines, which are significantly costlier than their generic counterparts.
• Enhance public awareness regarding the benefits of generic drugs.

Objectives and Key Activities of PMBJP

1. Raising Awareness About Generic Medicines

One of the primary goals of PMBJP is to educate the public about the benefits of generic medicines, emphasizing that lower prices do not mean compromised quality. The scheme aims to eliminate misconceptions that expensive medicines are superior in quality.

2. Encouraging the Prescription of Generic Medicines

PMBJP is actively working with healthcare professionals, particularly those in government hospitals, to encourage the prescription of generic alternatives. This helps patients access cost-effective treatment options without financial burden.

3. Enhancing Accessibility and Affordability

The initiative ensures that commonly used generic medicines across various therapeutic categories are available in all regions, especially in rural and marginalized communities.

Despite India being a global leader in generic medicine exports, a significant portion of the domestic population still lacks access to affordable medicines. The program is addressing this gap by making unbranded yet high-quality medicines accessible at 50%-80% lower prices than their branded counterparts.

Major Initiatives Under PMBJP

1. Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkins

To promote women’s health and hygiene, the government launched Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Oxo-biodegradable Sanitary Napkins on August 27, 2019. These are available at just ₹1 per pad across 15,000+ PMBJP Kendras nationwide. As of January 31, 2025, total sales of Suvidha Napkins reached 72 crores, reflecting their widespread acceptance and impact.

2. Jan Aushadhi SUGAM Mobile Application

The Jan Aushadhi SUGAM app, launched in August 2019, enhances user convenience by offering features such as:

• Locating nearby Jan Aushadhi Kendras using Google Maps.
• Searching for generic medicines and their availability.
• Comparing generic vs. branded medicine prices and checking potential savings.

Key Features of PMBJP

1. Dual Operation Model

The PMBJP scheme is operated by government agencies as well as private entrepreneurs, allowing wider accessibility and business opportunities.

2. Significant Cost Savings

• Jan Aushadhi medicines cost 50%-80% less than branded medicines available in the open market, making healthcare more affordable for millions.

3. Stringent Quality Control Measures

• Medicines under PMBJP are procured only from WHO-GMP certified manufacturers.
• Each batch of drugs undergoes quality testing at NABL-accredited laboratories to ensure efficacy and safety.

4. Financial Incentives for Entrepreneurs

• PMBJP offers an incentive of ₹20,000 per month (20% of monthly purchases) to encourage stocking mandates.
• A one-time grant of ₹2 lakh is provided for new PMBJP Kendras in North-Eastern States, Himalayan areas, Island territories, backward districts (as per NITI Aayog), and women entrepreneurs, ex-servicemen, Divyang (persons with disabilities), SC/ST entrepreneurs.

Transforming Healthcare: Growth and Impact of PMBJP

The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has significantly enhanced healthcare affordability and accessibility in India. With over 15,000 Janaushadhi Kendras now operational across all districts, the scheme has:

• Made essential medicines affordable to the general public.
• Provided entrepreneurship opportunities through the establishment of Janaushadhi Kendras.
• Ensured availability of medicines in remote and underserved areas.

As the government continues to promote the use of generic medicines, the scheme is expected to grow further, ensuring that quality healthcare is within reach for all. Jan Aushadhi Diwas serves as a reminder of this mission, inspiring people to embrace affordable healthcare solutions while supporting the expansion of generic medicine adoption in India.

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