A total of 17,990 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) have been established across India by December 31, as per Union Health Minister JP Nadda’s update to Parliament. These centers, part of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) scheme, aim to make essential medicines more accessible and reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Starting with 80 centers in 2014, the scheme has expanded significantly.
The JAKs offer generic medicines at lower costs, ensuring quality and effectiveness comparable to branded drugs. Under PMBJP, these centers provide a wide range of medicines, surgicals, medical consumables, and devices covering various therapeutic groups. Jan Aushadhi Kendras play a crucial role in improving healthcare affordability and availability nationwide.
Jan Aushadhi Kendras are established through online applications from various entities like individual entrepreneurs, NGOs, societies, and private companies. The scheme has already covered 767 districts, including 38 in Bihar. Stringent measures are in place to ensure the quality and safety of medicines at these centers, with inspections and testing conducted to maintain standards.
The government mandates that only WHO Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliant plants, certified by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), can supply medicines to these centers. Additionally, all medicine batches undergo 100% pre-testing before distribution. Laboratories testing the samples are accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) and assessed for Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) compliance by PMBI.
