Udaipur, February 7 – The Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra (PMJAK) initiative has gained immense public trust, with 10-12 lakh people purchasing medicines daily from these centers. These centers provide medicines at 50-80% discounts on MRP. To encourage their establishment, the central government provides a one-time incentive of ₹2 lakh to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and differently-abled individuals. In Rajasthan alone, 215 PM Jan Aushadhi Centers have been opened in the past five years.
The information was provided by Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Anupriya Patel, in response to a query raised by MP Dr. Mannalal Rawat in the Parliament. The MP sought details on the number of PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras established in the last five years, financial assistance provided for centers within hospital premises, and plans for expanding the network of these centers, particularly in Udaipur division.
Key Highlights from Minister’s Response
- 7,484 Jan Aushadhi Centers opened nationwide between FY 2019-2020 and FY 2023-2024, including 215 in Rajasthan.
- Financial incentives up to ₹20,000 per month are provided to store owners based on their monthly purchases.
- Additional ₹2 lakh grant is given to centers established by women entrepreneurs, ex-servicemen, differently-abled individuals, SC/ST applicants, and those in Northeast, hilly, island regions, and aspirational districts.
India Achieves 15,000 PM Jan Aushadhi Centers Target
The government aimed to open 15,000 Jan Aushadhi Centers by March 2025, a milestone already achieved. Currently, 2,047 types of medicines and 300 surgical and medical consumables are available, covering major therapeutic categories like cardiovascular, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-infectives, anti-allergic, and gastro-intestinal medicines.
Jan Aushadhi Centers Helped Citizens Save ₹30,000 Crore
- Affordable alternatives to branded medicines have resulted in an estimated saving of ₹30,000 crore over the past 10 years.
- Daily, over 10-12 lakh people visit these centers to access high-quality medicines at reduced prices.
- Affordable menstrual health solutions: The Jan Aushadhi Suvidha sanitary napkins are available for just ₹1 per pad, ensuring easy access to menstrual hygiene products.
Who Can Open a Jan Aushadhi Center?
- Any individual with a D. Pharma or B. Pharma degree or an organization with a licensed pharmacist can apply.
- A minimum of 120 sq. ft. space is required.
- Pharmacists must be registered with the State Pharmacy Council.
- SC/ST and differently-abled applicants must provide category certificates issued by the competent authority.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
