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Even as the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) scheme under the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) is successful in offering benefits to the customers with accessibility of medicines at affordable prices, several steps are to be taken including enhanced supply chain management, infrastructure and amenities for the Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs), and financial measures to improve profitability of operators, among others for improved performance of the scheme, according to a study.
The study on continuous viability of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK) prepared by the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, Ahmedabad, submitted to the DoP, also recommended strengthening the monitoring and evaluation mechanism to ensure quality standards, compliance and feedback from the PMBJKs.
The study, aimed to understand how well the scheme was implemented and its objectives achieved, was conducted by gathering 750 responses through a survey, from 510 Janaushadhi customers, and 240 retailers, distributors, and experts, covering 22 states and 66 districts.
The study shows that 84.5% of the JAK owners are happy with the scheme's business model, and 79.55% are willing to expand their business.
"The survey presents the finding that the PMBJP is a relevant initiative that has effectively improved the well-being of a substantial population by granting them convenient and cost-effective access to medicine," it said.
However, many retailers reported that they face difficulties in getting timely delivery of medicines, especially the ones that are in high demand. This is despite the statistics that 55.3% of the customers said that they prefer JAKs for timely availability of medicines and 69% reported that they could get all the medicines they needed from the Janaushadhi stores.
"One area of focus is enhancing the efficacy of supply chain management to facilitate the prompt delivery of medications to PMBJP Kendra. Enhancing the infrastructure and amenities of Kendra’s, including implementing cold storage facilities and computerisation," said the study in its recommendation.
"One potential strategy to improve the profitability of PMBJP Kendra operators is to implement measures aimed at reducing taxes, fees, and other financial burdens," it added.
The survey showed that most JAK owners (69.6%) did not take a loan to start this business. Another group of 28 per cent had to seek loans to set up the store or increase its size or growth.
The study observes that this suggests that JAKs are financially sustainable for the majority of the owners and that they do not rely on external sources of funding to operate their stores. However, it also implies that some owners face challenges in managing their cash flow and profitability and may need additional support or guidance from the government or other stakeholders.
The study also recommended implementing educational initiatives and promotional activities should be sustained to enhance public knowledge and stimulate the demand for generic pharmaceuticals and PMBJP Kendra’s.
The PMBI should strengthen its monitoring and evaluation mechanism to ensure quality standards, compliance, and feedback from the PMBJKs, it added.
It further recommended that the PMBJKs should intensify their marketing and promotional activities to attract customers and create awareness about generic medicines. The Kendras should also collaborate with local healthcare providers, NGOs, and community groups to increase their outreach and impact, it added.
Broadening the range of products offered by the Janaushadhi Kendra to encompass a more comprehensive selection of medication, surgical supplies, and additional healthcare items. As per the latest data, the JAK sell 2047 varieties of drugs and more than 300 varieties of surgical items.
According to the latest data available, there are around 19,467 JAKs in the country till April 30, 2026, with a product basket of around 2,100 medicines and 300 medical consumables for treatment of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, infections, among others.
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