Centre aims to open 10,000 new Janaushadhi Kendras across India by end of 2023
Uttar Pradesh leads with the highest number of outlets, while Ladakh has the fewest. Currently, there are Janaushadhi Kendras in only 651 districts, and online applications are being accepted from 765 districts.
Uttar Pradesh (1,432), Karnataka (1,098), Kerala (983), and Tamil Nadu (940) top the list of states with the most Janaushadhi Kendras across India. In contrast, Ladakh (two), Sikkim (five), and Andaman and Nicobar Islands (nine) lag behind.
With 9,782 outlets already operational, the Health Ministry aims to establish 10,000 new Janaushadhi Kendras across the country by year-end. The goal is to have a presence in 745 districts (including 112 aspirational districts), and the plan is to expand to 25,000 outlets by 2028-29, according to government data.
Janaushadhi Kendras, part of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), are dedicated to providing quality medicines at affordable prices, especially to the underprivileged. A senior Health Ministry official noted that in addition to reducing healthcare expenses, these Kendras are expanding their range of medicines and supplies.
As per the government's expansion plans, around 2,500-3,000 new Janaushadhi Kendras will be opened annually. Currently, Janaushadhi Kendras are present in only 651 districts, but online applications are being accepted from 765 districts.
The existing distance criteria of 1-1.5 km will also be revised based on viability and sales potential. Efforts are underway to cover all blocks in the country, as only 56% are currently covered under the scheme. The product range will be expanded to include up to 2,500 medicines and 350 surgical and consumable items. The objective is to establish a robust supply chain solution from end to end.
State governments, along with reputable NGOs, doctors, unemployed pharmacists, and individual entrepreneurs, are eligible to apply for new Janaushadhi Kendra stores. Applicants must employ a pharmacist with a B. Pharma or D. Pharma degree in their proposed store.
The Janaushadhi initiative not only ensures the availability of quality medicines at affordable prices through dedicated stores selling generic medicines but also promotes awareness about cost-effective drugs with prescriptions. It encourages doctors, particularly in government hospitals, to prescribe generic medicines.
The Central government is also actively identifying more high-quality suppliers to meet the growing demand for medicines and other equipment. Plans include increasing the number of warehouses to around 10 across India and establishing more testing labs with National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accreditation, with approximately 25-50 labs spread across the country.
