Published on Feb 16, 2021Updated on Nov 6, 2025
In India, quality healthcare services are still out of reach of millions, mostly in rural areas, due to the high cost of branded medicines and surgical consumables, thus making them vulnerable to common diseases that can be easily treated.
Therefore, to help reach affordable and quality healthcare services to people living in rural and semi-rural regions, the Indian government through its flagship program - Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana - aims to provide affordable healthcare to the underprivileged.
Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Kendras operate under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), aimed at providing affordable, high-quality generic medicines to the public. The scheme was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers in November 2008. Currently, there are 14,000 such kendras functioning nationwide, dispensing over 2,000 generic medicines and 300+ surgical equipments and consumables.
The scheme is a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at making healthcare more accessible and affordable for all citizens. It achieves this by providing low-cost, high-quality generic medicines and commonly used surgical consumables through dedicated outlets known as Janaushadhi Kendras.
The vision of PMBJP is to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses and ensure that quality medicines are available to all, especially in rural and remote areas. By promoting generic drugs, the scheme aims to enhance public awareness about cost-effective healthcare and strengthen India’s pharmaceutical sector.
Opening a Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Kendra (PMJAK) is a noble endeavour to provide affordable and quality generic medicines to your community. Here's how you can get started:
If you fulfil the eligibility requirements, you can apply online today.
Offline Application:
The PMBJP is a vital initiative by the Indian government aimed at providing affordable and quality generic medicines to citizens. Here are some of its prominent features and benefits:
To achieve maximum coverage throughout the country, the Government allows individuals to open Janaushadhi Kendras and offer lucrative incentives. However, you can open a Kendra, only if:
You can also open a Janaushadhi Kendra if you employ a B.Pharma/D.Pharma degree holder. There is also an opportunity to open a Janaushadhi Kendra at the government hospital premises, however, the preference is given to an NGO or charitable trust in this case.
The requirements to apply for a Janaushadhi Kendra are:
If you fulfil the above-mentioned requirements for the Janaushadhi Kendra, apply online today.
Alongside, you can also apply via the offline process, in which you are required to download the Application Form for opening a Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra.
You will need to fill out the application form and send it to the Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertaking of India (BPPI), the implementing agency of PMBJP at the following address:
To,
The CEO,
Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertakings of India (BPPI),
8th Floor Videocon Tower, Block E1, Jhandewalan Extension, New Delhi – 110055
Tel – 011-49431800
BPPI is responsible for the procurement of generic medicines at lower prices, marketing, distribution, and monitoring of Janaushadhi Kendras.
Applying for a Janaushadhi store online is a streamlined process to contribute to affordable healthcare access. Here's how to complete the application form:
Step 1: Begin by entering your personal and business details, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Step 2: Upload clear and appropriately sized scanned copies of your photograph and signature.
Step 3: Attach your resume or CV, highlighting your qualifications and experience relevant to the Janaushadhi store.
Upon clicking the "Submit Application" button, you'll receive a Unique Application Number, confirming your registration for this important healthcare initiative. You can review and print your application details by accessing the "View/Print Application" option on the home page. This comprehensive online process ensures that your application is efficiently processed, contributing to the success of Janaushadhi Kendras in providing quality medicines to the community.
The primary objective of PMBJP is to make quality healthcare affordable and accessible to all by providing high-quality generic medicines at significantly reduced prices. It aims to achieve the following goals:
To ensure that essential medicines are available at affordable prices, particularly to economically disadvantaged sections of society.
To reduce the financial burden on patients and promote cost-effective treatment options.
To establish a wide network of Janaushadhi Kendras across the country, making quality medicines accessible even in remote areas.
The vision of PMBJP is to create a robust and sustainable ecosystem for generic medicines, where every Indian citizen, regardless of their financial status, can access high-quality and affordable medicines. By promoting the use of generic drugs and expanding the network of Janaushadhi Kendras, the program envisions a healthier and financially empowered nation. It strives to bridge the gap between healthcare needs and accessibility, ensuring that no one is left behind when it comes to essential medications.
Before opening a Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra (PMBJK), it's crucial to be aware of the important terms and conditions outlined by the authorities:
a) Agreement:
Applicants must enter into an agreement with the authorities before commencing operations. All operations of the Janaushadhi store must adhere to the terms and conditions set forth in this agreement.
b) Drug Licence:
It is the applicant's responsibility to obtain a drug license in the name of "Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra" and any other required permissions for running a drug store. Compliance with all statutory requirements for drug storage is mandatory.
c) Use of Premises:
The allocated premises should be used exclusively for operating the PMBJK and cannot be sublet or used for any other purpose.
d) Billing Software:
All billing at PMBJKs should be done using the software provided by BPPI (Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertakings of India).
e) Sale of Allied Medical Products:
PMBJK operators may sell allied medical products typically found in chemist shops. Certain exceptions may apply, subject to prior approval by BPPI.
f) Return of Expiry/Breakage:
BPPI's distributor will accept returned expired or damaged medicines, up to 2% of the total purchase value by PMBJK.
g) Credit Period:
A credit period of 30 days is provided from the date of receipt of medicines by the Janaushadhi store, but post-dated cheques must be given by the Janaushadhi Store in advance against the goods supplied.
Opening a Janaushadhi Kendra is a very lucrative business opportunity, as along with earning reasonable profits, you will also play a key role in transforming healthcare services in India.
Following are the monetary incentives granted to Janaushadhi Kendra operator:
Therefore, as a retailer, on monthly sales of Rs 1 lakh, you can earn a commission of Rs 20,000 and Rs 10,000 as an incentive. Plus, the establishment cost is also reimbursed by BPPI to a great extent.
*Please note that the incentives are subject to change. Refer to the official PMBJP website for the most updated information.
In conclusion, the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) stands as a beacon of hope in the healthcare landscape of India. By making quality generic medicines accessible and affordable to all, this scheme embodies the principles of inclusivity, affordability, and health equity. PMBJP not only alleviates the financial burden on patients but also empowers individuals with the means to lead healthier lives.
With a network of Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Kendra spanning the nation, PMBJP is not just a scheme; it's a lifeline that bridges the gap between healthcare needs and accessibility. The vision of PMBJP is one where healthcare is a fundamental right, irrespective of one's financial status. As we move forward, PMBJP continues to be a shining example of how dedicated initiatives can transform healthcare and create a brighter, healthier future for all citizens.
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A Janaushadhi medical store, also known as a Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra (PMBJK), is a government initiative in India aimed at providing affordable and high-quality generic medicines to the public.
Registered doctors, medical practitioners, and individuals with pharmacy degrees (B.Pharma or D.Pharma) or those employing qualified pharmacists are eligible to open a generic Janaushadhi medical store.
Anyone, including the general public, can purchase medicines from Janaushadhi Kendras, making quality healthcare accessible to all, regardless of financial status.
The vision of PMBJP is to make quality healthcare affordable and accessible to all citizens. Its mission is to promote the use of generic medicines, provide medicines at lower prices, and establish Janaushadhi Kendras across India.
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