In a country like India, where many people skip treatments due to high medical costs, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana (PMJAY) has emerged as a beacon of hope. Launched in November 2008, the scheme initially had limited reach but gained momentum under the Modi government.

The primary goal of PMJAY is to provide affordable, quality, and generic medicines to everyone in India, easing financial burdens while ensuring effective treatment. Earlier, there was a misconception that cheaper medicines might be less effective. However, every medicine under the Jan Aushadhi scheme is manufactured according to WHO-GMP standards, making them as effective as branded drugs.

What is the Jan Aushadhi Scheme?

The scheme allows people to buy generic medicines at a fraction of the price of branded ones. For example, a high blood pressure or diabetes medicine costing ₹100 under a private brand may be available at a Jan Aushadhi Kendra for just ₹20–30. Government data shows that medicines at these centers are 50–80% cheaper than branded alternatives, depending on the drug.

Growth of Jan Aushadhi Centres

• 2013: Only 80–100 centers existed in India.

• 2025: More than 12,000 centers are operational nationwide.

• Target: 25,000 centers by March 2027, covering both rural and urban areas so that affordable medicines reach villages and towns.

How Affordable is Treatment?

According to the Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), prices of Jan Aushadhi drugs are generally capped at 50% of the average price of the top three branded drugs, and in some cases, can be 80–90% cheaper than market prices.

Who Benefits the Most?

• Elderly patients taking daily medicines for diabetes, blood pressure, and heart diseases.

• Poor and rural families who previously struggled to afford medicines.

• Women and children, with essential medicines like iron, calcium, and vitamins available at low prices.

The government also provides surgical items and health equipment such as blood pressure machines, surgical gloves, and eye drops under this scheme.

Effectiveness of Generic Medicines

Dr. Ajit Kumar from GTB Hospital, Delhi, explains that generic medicines are as effective as branded ones. The active ingredients are the same; only packaging and branding differ. Hence, patients can rely on Jan Aushadhi medicines without compromising treatment quality.