"Janaushadhi Network Expands Affordable Healthcare Products Beyond Medicines"
Generic Medicine
A drug with the same active ingredient as a branded medicine, sold without a brand premium.
Jan Aushadhi Kendra (JAK)
A dedicated outlet under PMBJP selling generic medicines and healthcare products at controlled prices.
Affordable access to medicines and healthcare products has been a persistent challenge in India. Out-of-pocket expenditure on health remains high, with households spending a significant share of their income on medicines, diagnostics, and consumables. India's public health spending has historically remained around 1.3–1.5% of GDP, well below the 2.5% target set by the National Health Policy, 2017. This gap has pushed millions of families toward private pharmacies and medical-supply shops, where branded products are often priced far above their generic equivalents.
To address this, the government launched the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), administered by the Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. The scheme operates a network of dedicated Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) that stock quality-assured generic medicines and, increasingly, surgical consumables and healthcare devices at prices significantly below the market rate. The scheme is part of a broader policy push toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which is also embedded in SDG 3.8.
The PMBJP works by procuring generic medicines and healthcare products in bulk through BPPI, which then supplies them to Jan Aushadhi Kendras at controlled prices. Generic medicines contain the same active pharmaceutical ingredients as branded equivalents but are sold without brand premiums. This price differential can be substantial, often 50–90% lower than branded alternatives, making the scheme directly relevant to household healthcare affordability.
As of August 2026, the product basket under PMBJP includes 2,110 medicines and 315 surgical items, medical consumables, and devices. The medicines cover all major therapeutic groups: cardiovascular, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-infective, anti-allergic, and gastro-intestinal categories, as well as nutraceuticals. …
Which of the following correctly identifies the nodal ministry and implementing agency for the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)?
Consider the following statements regarding the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP):
1.It is administered by the Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals.
2.The product basket includes only medicines and excludes surgical items or medical devices.
3.Janaushadhi Bachpan is a sub-initiative focused on infant and maternal care products.
4.Jan Aushadhi Swabhiman provides adult diapers for elderly and dependent individuals.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Consider the following statements about India's healthcare financing:
1.The National Health Policy, 2017 set a target of raising public health expenditure to 2.5% of GDP.
2.India's actual public health spending has historically been around 1.3–1.5% of GDP.
3.SDG 3.8 specifically calls for Universal Health Coverage, including access to quality essential medicines.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Match the following PMBJP sub-initiatives with their primary target beneficiary group:
List I (Sub-initiative) — List II (Target Group)
A.Janaushadhi Bachpan — 1. Elderly, dependent, and bedridden individuals
B.Jan Aushadhi Swabhiman — 2. Infants and mothers
C.Jan Aushadhi Kendras (core network) — 3. General population seeking generic medicines
Select the correct match:
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