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Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has worked to address the long-standing market distortions in India's pharmaceutical and healthcare sector by fostering the use of generic medicines, said Prof. R Raveendra, Head, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, MIT Pharmacy College Mysuru.
As the world's leading supplier of generic medicines, India is advancing the adoption of high-quality generic formulations by promoting their prescription across the healthcare system. These medicines are therapeutically equivalent to branded innovator drugs, containing the same active ingredients, dosage, strength, safety, quality, and efficacy, but are available at substantially lower prices once patent protection expires, he added.
By expanding access to quality-assured generic medicines through dedicated Janaushadhi Kendras, PMBJP encourages price competition, and weakens the dominance of high-priced branded products. This not only lowers out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure for patients but also fosters a more competitive and efficient pharmaceutical market, advancing the broader goal of affordable and equitable healthcare, stated Prof Raveendra.
High out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare, particularly for outpatient treatment and pharmaceuticals, pushed millions of Indian households into recurring cycles of financial distress and debt. It was against this backdrop that the PMBJP emerged not merely as a welfare initiative, but as a transformative structural reform aimed at improving access to affordable, quality medicines and reducing the financial burden of healthcare on citizens. What is notable is the life-saving medicines irrespective of their economic standing are now available at a fraction of the cost of commercial brands and not to forget its high-quality ensuring the required efficacy, he pointed out.
What is noteworthy is that these medicines from PMBJP outlets are priced lower than comparable branded alternatives, often ranging from 50% to 80% less, with savings reaching as high as 80%–90% for certain medicines used in the treatment of critical illnesses. These substantial price reductions make medicine access far more affordable for patients requiring long-term therapy. In the wake of the alarming rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), PMBJP helps reduce household healthcare expenditure, improves treatment adherence, and mitigates the risk of financial hardship associated with prolonged medical care, said Prof. Raveendra in a research review on the Socio-Economic Impact of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana.
The exponential expansion of the PMBJP indicates its scale and institutional success. In 2014, the network comprised fewer than 100 functional Janaushadhi Kendras, limiting its reach and impact. Since then, sustained policy support and nationwide implementation have driven remarkable growth. As of 30th June, 2026, 20,149 PMBJP Kendras are operational across India, significantly expanding access to affordable medicines in both urban and rural areas. Building on this progress, the Government has set a target of establishing 25,000 Janaushadhi Kendras by March 2027, further strengthening the programme's nationwide healthcare infrastructure and improving access to essential medicines, said Prof Raveendra stating that programme is a paradigm shift in healthcare affordability.
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