From April 2022 and April 2024, the number of stores, also known as Janaushadhi Kendras or JAK, increased by 34% to 11,719 units.
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is receiving significant support from a variety of sources, including the widespread availability of generic medications, shifts in consumer attitudes, high discounts, and extensive government promotion. The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) reports that during the previous two years, the scheme’s primary metrics have significantly improved.
For example, the number of Janaushadhi Kendras, or JAKs, has increased to 11,719, a 34% increase between April 2022 and April 2024. When comparing April 2024 to the same month in 2022, monthly sales more than doubled. The product basket, which includes medications and surgical supplies, also saw a significant increase.
Experts claimed that the primary factor fueling this expansion is a significant change in customers’ perceptions about PMBJP stores. “Perceptional problems caused individuals to be hesitant to visit these establishments approximately five years ago. The current perspective has evolved as a result of customers seeing that the medications offered at PMBJP stores are just as effective as name-brand generics, according to Pronto Consult founder and MD Hari Natarajan.
Cost-conscious shoppers now mostly use PMBJP stores when purchasing acute care items like cough syrups, paracetamol, and medicines. Every locality in Tier I and II cities has several stores. The program is fiercely competing with pharmacy chains because to its broad reach and growing consumer awareness, according to a healthcare expert.
Owing to the increasing demand, the government has established a goal of establishing 25,000 JAKs nationwide by March 2026. In general, the cost of medications is 50–90% less than that of branded generics. According to government statistics, consumers have saved more than Rs 28,000 crore on non-branded medications over the last nine years. The PMBJP product line, which was introduced in 2008, consists of 300 surgical instruments and consumables as well as 2047 medications that address important therapeutic categories like cardiovascular, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-infectives, anti-allergic, and gastrointestina
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