PMBJP

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, in November 2008. Under the scheme, dedicated outlets known as Janaushadhi Kendras are opened to make quality generic medicines available to all at affordable prices.

The scheme Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, in November 2008. Branded medicines are sold at significantly higher prices than their unbranded generic equivalents, though both are identical in therapeutic value. Given the widespread poverty across the country, making reasonably priced quality generic medicines available in the market benefits all sections of society.

Objectives:

To make quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all, PMBJP was launched by the Government of India in November 2008. Under the scheme, dedicated outlets known as Janaushadhi Kendras are opened to provide generic medicines at affordable prices. As of March 2026, more than 19,000 Kendras are functional across the country. The product basket comprises 2,100 medicines and 300 surgical items. The scheme is implemented by the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) [erstwhile BPPI], registered under the Societies Registration Act.

Objectives include:

• Ensuring access to quality medicines for all, especially the poor and deprived.
• Creating awareness about generic medicines through education and publicity to counter the perception that quality is linked only to high prices.
• Generating employment by engaging entrepreneurs in opening Kendras.

Individuals:

• The applicant must hold D. Pharma/B. Pharma degree or employ qualified pharmacists.

Organizations/NGOs:

• The applicant must employ B. Pharma/D. Pharma degree holders.

Government hospital premises (including medical colleges):

• Preference to reputed NGOs/charitable organizations though individuals are also eligible.

> The scheme is operated by government agencies as well as private entrepreneurs.

1. Normal Incentive:

• PMBJKs run by entrepreneurs/Pharmacists/Trusts/Societies & Charitable Organizations linked with PMBI headquarters through PoS software receive incentives.
• Incentive @ 20% of monthly purchase from PMBI, subject to a ceiling of Rs. 20,000 per month.
• Disbursed on a 50:50 basis:
• 10% incentive on purchase (up to Rs. 10,000).
• 10% incentive for maintaining stock of 200 medicines (up to Rs. 10,000).

2. Special Incentive:

• One-time grant of Rs. 2 lakh for women entrepreneurs, SC/ST, Divyangjan, ex-servicemen, and entrepreneurs in aspirational districts, Himalayan, island, and North-Eastern regions.
• ₹1.5 lakh reimbursement for furniture/fixtures.
• ₹0.5 lakh reimbursement for computer, internet, printer, etc.

3. Affordable Medicines:

• Prices of Janaushadhi medicines are 50%–80% lower than branded medicines.

4. Quality Assurance:

• Medicines procured only from WHO-GMP certified suppliers.

5. Testing:

• Each batch is tested at NABL-accredited laboratories.

6. Margin:

• Operating agencies receive a 20% margin on MRP (excluding taxes) of each drug.

> Janaushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkin:

Launched on 27 August 2019, Janaushadhi Suvidha Oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins are available at Rs. 1 per pad.

• Distributed through all Kendras nationwide.
• Cumulative sales crossed 100 crore pads by March 2026.