PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras: Availability and Quality of Generic Medicines
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
As of 30 June 2026, 20,149 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) are operational across India, including 1,631 in the Kallakuruchi Lok Sabha constituency. The government has released updated data on fund allocation, drug basket expansion, and quality control mechanisms under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).
Background
PMBJP is a flagship scheme launched to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices. It aims to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure by offering medicines at 50-80% lower prices than branded alternatives.
Key facts
Total JAKs operational: 20,149 as of 30 June 2026.
Drug basket includes 2,110 medicines and 315 surgical/consumable items covering major therapeutic groups (cardiac, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-infective, anti-allergic, digestive, and nutritional).
Prices are 50% to 80% lower than branded medicines.
Quality assurance: Only WHO-GMP certified plants supply; 100% batch pre-testing before distribution; testing only in NABL-accredited and GLP-compliant labs.
Fund utilization: FY2023-24: ₹110 crore (BE ₹115 crore); FY2024-25: ₹182.73 crore (BE ₹284.50 crore); FY2025-26: ₹190 crore (BE ₹353.50 crore); FY2026-27 (till 30 June): ₹50 crore (BE ₹200.50 crore).
An independent evaluation found significant improvement in access to affordable generic medicines, especially in rural and remote areas.
To ensure supply, JAKs are encouraged to stock 200 commonly used medicines (top 100 selling + top 100 fastest moving) with monthly incentives for stock maintenance.
IT-enabled supply chain connects 5 warehouses and 42 distributors; 400 fast-moving products are regularly monitored by PMBI.
Grievance redressal via CPGRAMS portal, email (complaints@janaushadhi.gov.in), or helpline 1800 180 8080.
Prelims pointers
- Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)
- Jan Aushadhi Kendra (JAK)
- Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) – implementing agency
- WHO-GMP certification
- NABL accreditation
- GLP compliance
- CPGRAMS portal
- Helpline: 1800 180 8080
- Kallakuruchi Lok Sabha constituency (Tamil Nadu)
Mains angles
- GS2: Government policies and interventions for health sector – PMBJP as a tool for affordable healthcare.
- GS3: Issues related to pharmaceuticals – generic drugs, quality control, and supply chain management.
- GS2: Role of public grievance mechanisms (CPGRAMS) in service delivery.