Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2026

• 09 Mar 2026

Source: PIB 

Why in News? 

On Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2026 (7th March), celebrated under the theme "Janaushadhi Sasti Bhi, Bharosemand Bhi, Sehat Ki Baat, Bachat Ke Saath," the Prime Minister highlighted the role of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) in reducing medicine costs for millions of people. 

What is Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana? 

• About: PMBJP is a flagship scheme administered by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers. It aims to make quality generic medicines and surgical items affordable (50–80% lower cost) for all, especially the economically disadvantaged, by significantly reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure. 
  • It was originally launched in 2008 as the Jan Aushadhi Scheme, and was rebranded and expanded in 2016 as PMBJP. 
• Product Portfolio: The scheme has a wide range, offering approximately 2,110 medicines and 315 surgical items/consumables across 29 therapeutic categories (including anti-cancer, cardiovascular, and anti-diabetic drugs). 
• Quality Assurance: Medicines are procured only from World Health Organization’s Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP) certified manufacturers and are tested in National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)-accredited labs, ensuring quality is not compromised for affordability. 
• Citizen-Centric Initiatives: 
  • Janaushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkins: Introduced in 2019, these oxo-biodegradable napkins are sold at a highly subsidized rate of Rs 1 per pad to promote menstrual hygiene. 
  • Jan Aushadhi Sugam App: A digital governance tool launched in 2019 that provides geo-location of Kendras, medicine availability, and a price comparison feature to show savings versus branded alternatives. 
• Inclusive Entrepreneurship Model: The scheme uses a franchise-based model to expand its reach. A key feature is the provision of special one-time incentives up to Rs 2 lakh (for furniture, fixtures, and computer equipment) to encourage entrepreneurs from specific groups, including women, SC/ST, Divyangjan, and ex-servicemen. 
• Strategic Expansion and Integration: 
  • Target: To increase the number of Kendras from over 18,000 (as of early 2026) to 25,000 by March 2027, with a focus on rural, remote, and underserved areas. 
  • Innovative Locations: Kendras are being set up in novel locations to enhance last-mile access, including 116 Kendras at railway stations (as of Jan 2026) and within government hospital premises. 
  • Cooperative Involvement: Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are being leveraged to establish Kendras, utilizing their vast rural network and infrastructure to reach remote populations. 
• Economic Impact: By June 2025, the scheme has led to estimated savings of approximately Rs 38,000 crore for citizens compared to branded alternatives. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What is the objective of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)? 
It aims to provide quality generic medicines and surgical items at 50–90% lower prices through Jan Aushadhi Kendras, reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure. 

2. Which ministry administers the PMBJP scheme? 
It is implemented by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, through the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI). 

3. How does PMBJP ensure the quality of generic medicines? 
Medicines are procured from WHO-GMP certified manufacturers and tested in NABL-accredited laboratories before distribution. 

4. What is the Janaushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkin initiative? 
Introduced in 2019, it provides oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins at Rs 1 per pad, promoting affordable menstrual hygiene. 

5. What is the target expansion for Jan Aushadhi Kendras under PMBJP? 
The government aims to increase the number of Kendras from 18,000+ (2026) to 25,000 by March 2027, especially in rural and underserved areas. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Q. Consider the following statements: (2023) 

Statement-I: India's public sector health care system largely focuses on curative care with limited preventive, promotive and rehabilitative care. 

Statement-II: Under India's decentralized approach to health care delivery, the States are primarily responsible for organizing health services. 

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? 

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation of Statement-I 

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct but Statement-II is not the correct explanation of Statement-I 

(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect 

(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct 

Correct answer: (b)