New Delhi, Dec 16 (KNN) The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) currently offers a product basket comprising 2,425 medicines, medical devices, and consumable products.
Of these, 351 medicines are marked as under process pending the completion of open tendering procedures and finalisation of procurement prices, including cases requiring retendering due to non-receipt of bids.
The scheme includes all medicines listed under the Essential Drug List as per Indian Public Health Standards, except those provided free of cost under national health programmes, drugs administered directly in hospitals, and select opioids with high addiction potential.
In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State ,Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, Anupriya Patel, stated that a series of measures have been implemented to address supply gaps and ensure consistent availability of medicines at Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs).
These include an end-to-end IT-enabled supply chain system supported by five warehouses and 39 distributors across the country.
To further strengthen availability, the scheme has incentivised JAK owners since September 2024 to stock 200 commonly used medicines, comprising the 100 top-selling products within the scheme and 100 fast-moving medicines in the broader market, with monthly incentives linked to maintained stock levels.
Additionally, 400 fast-moving products are regularly monitored, with demand forecasting undertaken on an ongoing basis and steps initiated to digitise forecasting to enhance procurement efficiency.
The government has clarified that there is no proposal under consideration for setting up mega Jan Aushadhi Kendras in major cities or introducing courier-based home delivery of medicines.
Dispensing at JAKs continues to require the physical presence of a qualified pharmacist for prescription validation, in line with the Drugs Rules, 1945.
To improve accessibility, the network of Jan Aushadhi Kendras is targeted to expand to 25,000 outlets by March 2027, against which 17,610 kendras were operational across the country as of November 2025.
(KNN Bureau)
