Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is your gateway to affordable medicines across India. As a consumer, you can drastically reduce your healthcare expenses—sometimes by as much as 90% —simply by choosing generic equivalents from Jan Aushadhi Kendras. This article tells you everything you need to know: what the scheme is, why you should care, how to locate a store, how to procure medicines, and practical tips to make the most of it.
Why Choose Jan Aushadhi?
Generic medicines aren’t “cheap copies”—they contain the same active ingredients, same dosage, same safety profile, but carry a fraction of the cost. Here’s why millions of Indians trust Jan Aushadhi Kendras:
Reason
What It Means for You
Up to 90% Cost Savings
Pay ₹10–₹50 for a medicine that costs ₹500–₹1,000 in a branded store.
Nationwide Network
Over 14,000 Kendras in all states and union territories—urban and rural.
Quality Assurance
WHO-GMP manufacturing + NABL-accredited lab testing for every batch.
Transparent Pricing
Every pack shows Maximum Retail Price (MRP) and Jan Aushadhi Price side by side.
No Compromise on Efficacy
Same bioavailability and therapeutic effect as branded drugs.
Social Impact
Support government drive; create local jobs via community pharmacists.
Pro Tip:Before you buy, jot down the branded medicine’s MRP. Compare it with the Jan Aushadhi tag to see your savings in real time!
Common Scenarios Where Savings Matter Most
Use Case
Average Monthly Spend (Branded)
Average Spend (Jan Aushadhi)
Monthly Savings
Hypertension (Amlodipine)
₹300
₹60
₹240
Diabetes (Metformin)
₹400
₹80
₹320
Arthritis (Diclofenac)
₹250
₹50
₹200
Thyroid (Levothyroxine)
₹350
₹70
₹280
Cholesterol (Atorvastatin)
₹500
₹100
₹400
Consider a family with two seniors on multiple chronic-care medications: they could save well over ₹1,000 every month, or ₹12,000 per year, on just five common drugs!
How to Locate Your Nearest Jan Aushadhi Kendra
Method
Steps
Online Store Locator
1. Visit janaushadhi.gov.in 2. Click “Find Store” 3. Enter your PIN code or city name 4. View list & map
Mobile App
1. Download “Jan Aushadhi” from Play Store/App Store 2. Allow location access 3. See nearby Kendras
Toll-free Helpline
Call 1800-180-8080 and give your location details; get store addresses via SMS.
Word of Mouth
Ask your local pharmacist or health worker if a Kendra is nearby.
Note:Stores often operate on weekdays 10 AM–6 PM. In rural areas, timings may vary—call before you visit.
Step-by-Step Purchase Process
Step
What You Do
What to Expect
Get Prescription
Obtain prescription from your doctor (for prescription drugs). Ensure it specifies generic name.
Pharmacist verifies and pulls out the generic equivalent.
Visit Kendra
Bring prescription + ID proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, etc.).
Pharmacist verifies and dispenses.
Confirm Price
Compare branded MRP vs. Jan Aushadhi Price on the pack.
You see your savings—often 70–90% off.
Pay & Collect
Pay via cash/UPI/card (depending on Kendra).
Receive printed receipt with batch and expiry details.
Ask for Counseling
Pharmacist explains dosage, side effects, storage instructions, especially for first-time users.
Clear instructions and any precautions.
Top 10 Most-Purchased Generics & Your Saving
Generic Name
Common Branded Variant
Pack Price (Branded)
Jan Aushadhi Price
% Savings
Paracetamol 500 mg
Crocin
₹50 for 10 tablets
₹10 for 10 tablets
80%
Metformin 500 mg
Glucophage
₹120 for 30 tablets
₹24 for 30 tablets
80%
Amlodipine 5 mg
Amlogard
₹100 for 30 tablets
₹20 for 30 tablets
80%
Atorvastatin 10 mg
Lipitor
₹500 for 30 tablets
₹100 for 30 tablets
80%
Levothyroxine 50 mcg
Thyronorm
₹200 for 28 tablets
₹40 for 28 tablets
80%
Diclofenac 50 mg
Voveran
₹60 for 10 tablets
₹12 for 10 tablets
80%
Omeprazole 20 mg
Omez
₹45 for 14 capsules
₹9 for 14 capsules
80%
Salbutamol Inhaler
Asthalin
₹120 for 200 doses
₹24 for 200 doses
80%
Azithromycin 500 mg
Azomax
₹100 for 3 tablets
₹20 for 3 tablets
80%
Multivitamin Syrup
Becadexamin
₹180 for 200 ml
₹36 for 200 ml
80%
Payment & Reimbursement Options
Mode
Details
Cash
Most Kendras accept cash; carry exact change.
UPI (BHIM, Paytm)
Quick, paperless; some Kendras offer cashback on UPI payments.
Card (PoS)
Accepted at select Kendras—confirm beforehand.
Insurance
Submit Jan Aushadhi receipt for cashless settlement (subject to insurer terms).
Jan Aushadhi Mobile App: Features & How to Use
Feature
What It Does
Store Locator
Shows Kendras nearest to you, with contact and hours.
Medicine Search
Search by generic or brand name; view price and availability.
Order Online (Pilot)
Pre-order for pickup in select cities.
Home Delivery (Pilot)
Free/low-cost delivery in some areas.
Feedback & Complaints
Rate service; report stockouts or quality issues.
Download app from Play Store/App Store. 2. Register with mobile number. 3. Search medicines, locate/ order.
Real-Life Consumer Stories
Vijay’s Savings: Vijay, a 58-year-old in Indore, reduces his ₹3,200 monthly heart and diabetes meds bill to ₹640 using Jan Aushadhi—saving ₹2,560 monthly.
Rita’s Rural Access: In Himachal Pradesh, Rita’s mother avoids a 20 km trip and saves ₹250 monthly by getting thyroid meds at the local Kendra.
Community Impact: NGO “Health for All” camps led to three Kendras in tribal districts, halving drug costs for 1,200 families.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question
Answer
Are Jan Aushadhi medicines effective?
Yes—rigorously tested to match branded efficacy.
Do Kendras stock all medicines?
Core 350+ generics; over 500 SKUs typically. Request stocking if unavailable.
Can I use an old prescription?
Yes, if it specifies the generic name and is within validity.
What if I have side effects?
Report to pharmacist and doctor; batches are tested but consult your physician.
Is home delivery secure?
Sealed packaging with batch details; check Kendra policy.
How often are stocks replenished?
Weekly/monthly; call ahead for high-demand items.
Tips to Maximize Your Savings
Compare MRP vs. Jan Aushadhi price before purchase.
Buy 2–3 months’ supply for chronic meds to avoid repeat trips.
Set reminders in app for restocking.
Report shortages; BPPI prioritizes busy Kendras.
Spread the word: higher volume helps Kendras thrive.
Beyond Medicines: OTC & Surgical Products
Category
Examples
Jan Aushadhi Offering
Nutritional Supplements
Iron tablets, multivitamins
50–70% cheaper than branded tonics
First-Aid
Bandages, antiseptic creams
Cost-effective packs
Diabetic Supplies
Test strips, lancets
Bulk packs at subsidized rates
Syrups & Antibiotics
Cough syrups, antibiotic suspensions
Same composition as branded at lower cost
Surgical Instruments
Scissors, forceps (institutional buyers)
Competitive bulk pricing
How the Scheme Evolved (Consumer Milestones)
Year
Consumer-Side Innovation
2008
First 199 Kendras; limited to metros
2016
Rebranded; Kendra count crosses 1,000
2018
Inclusion of OTC & surgical products
2020
Internet ordering launched
2021
Mobile app rollout
2022
Pilot home delivery & pre-order in 10 cities
2024
Over 35% Kendras run by women entrepreneurs
Consumers today can pre-order, get home delivery, rate services, and track quality online.
What If Your Nearest Kendra Is Far?
Option
How It Works
Online Pre-order
Order via app/portal; pick up within 48h in pilot cities.
Home Delivery
Delivery within 10–20 km; small fee may apply.
Bulk Purchase Trips
Coordinate with neighbors; combine orders for fuel savings.
Suggest a Kendra
Use “Request Store” on portal; BPPI may open new Kendra based on demand.
Log in → “Feedback” → fill form; attach receipts/photos if needed.
Grievance
Escalate via State Drug Controller or consumer court if unresolved.
Switching to Jan Aushadhi medicine is one of the simplest, most impactful steps you can take for your family’s health and finances. With transparent pricing, assured quality, and a user-friendly network, PMBJP empowers you to:
Save Money: Hundreds to thousands every year.
Save Time: Convenient app, online pre-ordering, and fast service.
Stay Healthy: Reliable access to essential medicines.
Support Communities: Boost local entrepreneurship and public health.
Take control of your health budget today: locate your nearest Jan Aushadhi Kendra, download the app, and start saving on your next prescription. Affordable healthcare is not a luxury—it’s your right!
