Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2026:
On Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2026 (7th March), celebrated under the theme “Janaushadhi Sasti Bhi, Bharosemand Bhi, Sehat Ki Baat, Bachat Ke Saath,” the Prime Minister highlighted the role of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) in reducing medicine costs for millions of people.
- PMBJP is a flagship scheme administered by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.
- It aims to make quality generic medicines and surgical items affordable (50–80% lower cost) for all, especially the economically disadvantaged, by significantly reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure.
- It was originally launched in 2008 as the Jan Aushadhi Scheme, and was rebranded and expanded in 2016 as PMBJP.
- he scheme has a wide range, offering approximately 2,110 medicines and 315 surgical items/consumables across 29 therapeutic categories (including anti-cancer, cardiovascular, and anti-diabetic drugs).
- Medicines are procured only from World Health Organization’s Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP) certified manufacturers and are tested in National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)-accredited labs, ensuring quality is not compromised for affordability.
- Janaushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkins: Introduced in 2019, these oxo-biodegradable napkins are sold at a highly subsidized rate of Rs 1 per pad to promote menstrual hygiene.
- Jan Aushadhi Sugam App: A digital governance tool launched in 2019 that provides geo-location of Kendras, medicine availability, and a price comparison feature to show savings versus branded alternatives.
- The scheme uses a franchise-based model to expand its reach. A key feature is the provision of special one-time incentives up to Rs 2 lakh (for furniture, fixtures, and computer equipment) to encourage entrepreneurs from specific groups, including women, SC/ST, Divyangjan, and ex-servicemen.
