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ActiveCentral Sector SchemeLaunched 2008-11-25Verified: 2026-09-16

Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)

National affordable medicine initiative providing high-quality generic medicines and surgicals through dedicated Kendra outlets at 50% to 90% lower prices.

Government Levelcentral Government
Administering BodyMinistry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Beneficiary Sector
Applicable Jurisdiction

Benefits & Entitlement Breakdown

For citizens: Access to 2,046+ quality generic medicines, 300+ surgical items, and Suvidha biodegradable sanitary pads (at ₹1 per pad) at prices 50% to 90% cheaper than branded equivalents. For store operators: Financial incentive of up to ₹5,00,000 (calculated at 15% of monthly purchases, subject to a ceiling of ₹20,000 per month). Special one-time incentive of ₹2,00,000 for IT and infrastructure reimbursement for Kendras opened in North Eastern States, Himalayan areas, island territories, aspirational districts, or Kendras opened by Women, SC, ST, and Divyang entrepreneurs. 20% trade margin on retail medicine sales.

📊Budget Allocation & Beneficiary Reach

Fiscal Budget Allocation

₹284 Crore (Annual promotional and incentive allocation via Dept of Pharmaceuticals)

Official Budget Document ↗
Verified Beneficiary Reach

13,000+ functional Janaushadhi Kendras operating across all districts in India

As of: 2024-03-31PIB / Official Citation ↗

Verified Eligibility Criteria

Age Requirement:Minimum 18 years
Annual Family Income Ceiling:No gross income ceiling specified
Target Occupations:pharmacist, doctor, registered_medical_practitioner, entrepreneur, ngo
Eligible Gender:all
Social Category / Reservation:all
Specific Operational Conditions & Exclusions:

To open a Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendra (PMBJK), applicant must be an individual entrepreneur holding a B.Pharm / D.Pharm degree or employing a registered pharmacist, or an NGO, trust, cooperative society, or government body. Must have own or leased commercial premises of minimum 120 sq. ft. with valid retail drug license from State Drug Controller.

Required Documents Checklist

  • Aadhaar Card and PAN Card of applicantMandatory

    Mandatory applicant KYC identification.

  • Degree / Diploma Certificate & State Pharmacy Council Registration of PharmacistMandatory

    Proof of qualified pharmacist engagement.

  • Shop Ownership Deed or Registered Lease Agreement (Min 120 sq. ft.)Mandatory

    Proof of commercial space possession.

  • Retail Drug License issued by State Drug ControllerMandatory

    Mandatory statutory drug sales license.

  • Aadhaar-seeded Bank Account Passbook / Cancelled ChequeMandatory

    For financial incentive DBT transfers.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official PMBJP portal (https://janaushadhi.gov.in) and click on "Apply for Kendra". 2. Register with mobile number and email; fill out the online application form. 3. Upload pharmacist credentials, identity proof, address proof, and shop premise details. 4. Pay non-refundable application fee of ₹5,000 (fee waived for women, SC, ST, Divyang entrepreneurs, and aspirational districts). 5. Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) issues an in-principle approval (IPA) letter. 6. Obtain drug license from the State Drug Controller and sign agreement with PMBI. 7. Place initial medicine stock order via PMBI warehouse portal and inaugurate Kendra.

Official Government Application Portal

You will be redirected to the secure official portal: janaushadhi.gov.in

Apply on official government website

Frequently Asked Questions (Officially Sourced)

Verified answers sourced directly from official circulars, gazettes, and portal FAQs. Never AI-invented.

Who can open a Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendra?

Any individual holding a D.Pharm/B.Pharm degree, or employing a registered pharmacist, as well as NGOs, trusts, and hospitals can apply to open a Kendra.

Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗

What is the price difference between Janaushadhi medicines and branded medicines?

Janaushadhi generic medicines are tested at NABL-accredited laboratories and are priced 50% to 90% lower than corresponding branded medicines in the market.

Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗

What financial incentives are offered to Kendra owners?

Normal financial incentive of up to ₹5 lakh (15% of monthly purchase value, max ₹20,000/month) is provided, plus a 20% trade margin on sales.

Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗

Common Rejection Reasons & Warnings

Failure to engage a registered pharmacist; shop area less than 120 sq. ft.; rejection of drug license by State Drug Controller; location within prohibited proximity of another Kendra without waiver.

Editorial Verification & Change Log

DateFieldDescription / UpdateSource Citation
2026-09-16initial_verificationBaseline verification of PMBJP guidelines, Kendra incentive structure, and generic medicine catalog.Official Source ↗

Application Window & Deadlines

Open throughout the year (Online application)

Related Welfare Programs

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World largest government-funded health assurance scheme providing ₹5 lakh annual cashless health cover per family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

Direct benefit maternity benefit scheme under Mission Shakti offering cash incentives up to ₹6,000 for pregnant women and lactating mothers.

Mission Indradhanush (IMI / Universal Immunization Programme)

National universal immunization drive providing 100% free life-saving vaccines against 12 preventable diseases for children up to 5 years and pregnant women.

Official Helpline & Nodal Offices

Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI)

8th Floor, Videocon Tower, Block E-1, Jhandewalan Extension, New Delhi - 110055

Helpline: 1800-180-8080 (National Janaushadhi Toll-Free Helpline)

Jurisdiction: National (All-India)

Notice a Discrepancy?

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Verification Metadata

Last verified by Eligo researchers on 2026-09-16 against official government documentation.

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