10th Anniversary of Amrit Pharmacies

• 18 Nov 2025

Source: TH 

Why in News?  

The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare  (MoHFW) inaugurated AMRIT (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment) Pharmacy’s 10th Anniversary Celebrations at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.  

What is AMRIT (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment) Pharmacy? 

• About: AMRIT was launched in 2015 by the MoHFW and implemented by HLL Lifecare Limited, a Mini Ratna Public Sector Enterprise under the MoHFW, to reduce out-of-pocket medical costs through a nationwide network of low-cost pharmacy stores.  
  • These outlets supply essential medicines, implants, and surgical items at affordable prices to improve access for all patients. 
  • It is similar to Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK), as both aim to provide medicines and medical supplies at affordable rates. 
• Vision and Mission: AMRIT’s core aim is to deliver affordable and dependable pharmacy services through the public sector, supporting wider access to essential medicines and reducing treatment costs. 
• Impact (as of October 2025): AMRIT has supplied medicines worth Rs 17,047 crores and helped patients save Rs 8,395 crore.  
  • A total of 68.51 million patients have benefited from the discounted services.

What are Jan Aushadhi Kendras? 

• About: Jan Aushadhi Kendras are government-supported pharmacy outlets under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) that provide quality generic medicines at much lower prices than branded drugs.  
  • They operate under the Department of Pharmaceuticals with the goal of reducing healthcare costs and improving access to essential medicines. 
• PMBJP: It is a flagship scheme that ensures affordable, quality medicines for all, especially the poor and vulnerable.  
  • It was initially launched in 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers and significantly restructured in 2015-16. 
  • PMBJP reduces out-of-pocket health spending by offering high-quality generic medicines through over 16,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country.  
  • These outlets provide more than 2,100 drugs and 300 surgical items made in World Health Organization's (WHO) Good Manufacturing Practices certified facilities and tested in National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)-accredited labs.  
• Jan Aushadhi SUGAM App: It helps users find nearby Kendras, search medicines, and compare generic vs branded prices with instant savings information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What is AMRIT Pharmacy? 
AMRIT (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment) is a MoHFW-backed retail network implemented by HLL Lifecare (a Mini-Ratna PSU) to provide essential medicines, implants and surgical disposables at heavily discounted rates to reduce OOP expenditure.

2. How does Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) ensure medicine quality? 
PMBJP sources drugs from WHO-GMP certified manufacturers and tests each batch in NABL-accredited laboratories, ensuring generics match branded drugs in safety and efficacy.

3. How do PMBJP promote entrepreneurship? 
Jan Aushadhi Kendras are run by doctors, pharmacists, NGOs and SHGs with government support (up to Rs 2.5 lakh and other incentives), creating local jobs and decentralised retail opportunities.