The Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), the implementing agency under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, reported sales of over ₹1,800 crore in FY 2024-25, translating to citizen savings estimated at ₹10,800 crore (since generic prices are 1/5 to 1/10 of branded equivalents). A 2025 ICMR study on Jan Aushadhi medicines (published in Indian Journal of Pharmacology) found bioequivalence with branded counterparts in over 96% of randomly tested samples.

A Jan Aushadhi Kendra (also called a PMBJP store) is a retail outlet authorised by the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) — a public-sector enterprise under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers. It sells unbranded generic medicines under the “Jan Aushadhi” label.

The price gap exists because:

• No brand markup. Branded medicines (Glycomet, Crocin, Telma) carry 200-1,000% margins for marketing, MR commissions, retailer trade margins. Jan Aushadhi medicines have a flat ceiling-price set by the government — typically 50-90% below MRP of the branded equivalent.
• Centralised procurement. PMBI procures in bulk from over 90 WHO-GMP-certified manufacturers (Sun Pharma, Cipla, Lupin, Aurobindo, Cadila and others) — the same factories that make the branded versions.
• Quality is the same. Every batch is tested at NABL-accredited labs before dispatch. The molecule is identical; only the brand label is missing.

The legal basis is the National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Authority (NPPA) notifications under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order 2013, plus the PMBJP Operational Guidelines 2017 (revised 2024).

The current product basket (April 2026) covers over 2,047 medicines + 300 surgical / consumables — covering diabetes, hypertension, cardiac, respiratory, gastric, cancer (oncology), antibiotics, anti-infectives, vitamins, paediatric syrups, and Ayurvedic / Unani lines.

Indian doctors are required by Medical Council of India (now NMC) regulation 1.5 (2016) to prescribe in generic / molecule names. In practice, many still write brand names (Crocin, Combiflam, Augmentin).

• If your prescription says “Crocin 500 mg, 1-0-1 x 5 days” — the molecule is Paracetamol 500 mg. The Jan Aushadhi pharmacist will dispense generic paracetamol at ~₹6 instead of ~₹35.
• If you don't know the molecule, ask your doctor to write both — or take a clear photo of the strip and use the “Search Medicine” feature on the Jan Aushadhi Sugam app (it converts brand → molecule).
• Caution: Jan Aushadhi stores are not allowed to substitute prescription medicines without your or your doctor's consent. Confirm verbally before purchase.

Option A — Web portal (any device with browser):

• Open https://janaushadhi.gov.in
• Click “Jan Aushadhi Kendra” → “Search Janaushadhi Kendra”.
• Enter your PIN code OR State + District.
• Map view shows all kendras within radius; list view shows address, contact, store-code, working hours.

Option B — Jan Aushadhi Sugam mobile app (recommended):

• Search “Jan Aushadhi Sugam” on Play Store / Apple App Store. Publisher: Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India.
• Allow location permission → “Find nearby kendras” → see Google Maps overlay with directions.
• Bonus: tap “Search Medicine” → type brand or molecule name → see price + availability + alternatives.

Option C — Toll-free helpline:

• 1800-180-8080 (Mon-Sat, 8 am – 8 pm). Tell them your PIN or landmark — they read out the nearest 3 kendras and store-codes.

• Carry the original prescription (digital prescription on phone is also accepted at most kendras since Jan 2024).
• No government photo ID is mandatory for purchase, but carry one for refund/credit-card situations.
• Working hours typically 9 am – 9 pm, but verify on the portal — small-town kendras may close 1-3 pm for lunch.
• Cash, UPI, debit/credit cards all accepted. GST / bill is mandatory — insist on a printed bill with batch number.

• Check the strip — it should bear the PMBI / Jan Aushadhi label along with manufacturer name (Sun, Cipla, Lupin, etc.), batch number, MRP, and expiry.
• Compare the molecule on the strip with the molecule prescribed (or printed in brand-to-generic conversion). If unclear, the pharmacist must show you the MRP-printed strip and read out the salt name.
• Cross-check that MRP = price you paid — Jan Aushadhi stores cannot charge above MRP. There is no separate “service charge”.

• The Jan Aushadhi bill is GST-compliant and can be claimed for:
  1. §80D (preventive health check-up + medicines for senior citizens): up to ₹50,000 per year.
  2. Mediclaim reimbursement (most insurers, including PMJAY supplementary outpatient riders, accept Jan Aushadhi bills).
  3. CGHS / ECHS post-payment reimbursement (subject to scheme rules).

• Larger kendras (in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata) offer monthly subscription for diabetics / cardiac patients — pay quarterly, get home delivery within the kendra's PIN cluster.
• Ask your pharmacist for the “Repeat Patient Card” (available since 2025). Free; entitles you to SMS reminders 5 days before refill.

• If a particular molecule is out of stock, ask the pharmacist for a written stock-out slip with date, store-code, and signature.
• This slip lets you buy from a regular chemist and claim refund (only under CGHS / ECHS) — and is also the document you'll need if you escalate via PMBI helpline (Step “If stuck”, below).

• If a kendra charges above MRP, refuses to give a bill, or sells expired stock — report immediately:
  1. Email: complaint@janaushadhi.gov.in
  2. PMBI Helpline: 1800-180-8080
  3. CPGRAMS: https://pgportal.gov.in (Department of Pharmaceuticals).
• Always quote the store-code (visible on every kendra signboard and on the bill).

+-------------------------------+----------------+----------------+----------+
| Medicine (typical strip 10s)  | Branded MRP    | Jan Aushadhi   | Saving   |
+-------------------------------+----------------+----------------+----------+
| Metformin 500 mg              | ₹35 (Glycomet) | ₹6             | 83%      |
| Glimepiride 2 mg              | ₹85 (Amaryl)   | ₹14            | 84%      |
| Telmisartan 40 mg             | ₹125 (Telma)   | ₹16            | 87%      |
| Atorvastatin 10 mg            | ₹95 (Lipitor)  | ₹12            | 87%      |
| Pantoprazole 40 mg            | ₹110 (Pan)     | ₹14            | 87%      |
| Amlodipine 5 mg               | ₹40 (Amlong)   | ₹6             | 85%      |
| Paracetamol 500 mg            | ₹35 (Crocin)   | ₹6             | 83%      |
| Azithromycin 500 mg (3 tabs)  | ₹110           | ₹22            | 80%      |
| Insulin Glargine 100 IU vial  | ₹825 (Lantus) | ₹290           | 65%      |
| Cetirizine 10 mg              | ₹45 (Cetzine)  | ₹6             | 87%      |
+-------------------------------+----------------+----------------+----------+
| Sanitary napkin "Suvidha"     | --             | ₹1 / pad       | --       |
| (PMBJP exclusive product)     |                | (₹6 / 6 pack)  |          |
+-------------------------------+----------------+----------------+----------+
| Surgical gloves (pair)        | ₹35-50         | ₹8             | 75%      |
+-------------------------------+----------------+----------------+----------+
| RTI to PMBI for kendra info   | ₹10 IPO        | BPL = free     | --       |
+-------------------------------+----------------+----------------+----------+

Prices above are illustrative as of April 2026 (PMBI price list). Verify on the Sugam app — prices revised quarterly.

• “Same medicine nahi hai” myth. Many citizens believe generic = sub-standard. NMC, ICMR and WHO have all confirmed bioequivalence. The same factory often makes both — only the label differs.
• Doctor refuses to write generic name. Politely ask for the molecule name in brackets alongside the brand. If refused, take a photo of the strip and use the Sugam app's “brand to generic” search.
• Kendra location wrong on portal. A few hundred kendras have moved; the portal is updated quarterly. Always confirm by phone before travelling far.
• Medicine out of stock. Insulin pens, certain oncology drugs and paediatric syrups face periodic shortages. Ask for stock-out slip; check the next 2-3 nearest kendras using the app.
• Pharmacist tries to sell branded “alternative” with higher margin. Some franchise kendras quietly cross-sell branded stock. Insist on Jan Aushadhi label; ask for the store-code stamped bill.
• Bill not given / GST not charged. Mandatory under PMBJP guidelines; refusal is a violation. Report to 1800-180-8080 or complaint@janaushadhi.gov.in with store-code and photo.
• Medicine costs more than nearby chemist (rare but happens for very-low-MRP products like single-paracetamol strips). Allowed under MRP rule — but check before paying.
• Pediatric / specialised dosage not in basket. Some uncommon strengths (e.g., metformin 1000 mg SR, specific paediatric drops) are not yet stocked. Ask the pharmacist for the PMBI product code and submit a request via the Sugam app — new molecules are added every quarter.

• Every Jan Aushadhi Kendra must display the store-code, in-charge name, and helpline number at the entrance and on the bill.
• For routine issues (no stock, billing dispute, behaviour) — ask for the in-charge first.

• Toll-free: 1800-180-8080 (Mon-Sat, 8 am – 8 pm)
• Email: customercare@janaushadhi.gov.in
• Best for: kendra not opening on time, pharmacist absent, repeat stock-outs, suspected fake stock.

• https://pgportal.gov.in → Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers → Department of Pharmaceuticals → PMBJP / PMBI.
• Higher visibility — gets routed to the State Coordinator and PMBI HQ.
• 30-day SLA; reminder allowed after that.

• If you suspect spurious or expired stock at a kendra, escalate to the State Drug Controller (FDA in Maharashtra, FSSAI for nutraceuticals) — not just PMBI. They have search-and-seizure powers under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940.
• State drug controller addresses are on the CDSCO portal: https://cdsco.gov.in

The Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) is a Section 8 (not-for-profit) company under the Department of Pharmaceuticals — it is a public authority under §2(h)(d) of the RTI Act 2005. So is the Department of Pharmaceuticals itself.

RTI helps here when:

• You filed a complaint about a kendra (overcharging / refusing bill / fake stock) and got no response in 30 days — RTI to PIO, PMBI, asks for the file noting and action taken.
• A kendra has been shut down in your area without notice — RTI for reasons + reopening plan + the franchisee's licence status.
• You want the monthly stock-availability data for a specific molecule across kendras in your district — for a patient-advocacy group or news report.
• You want price-fixation methodology for a specific PMBJP medicine (e.g., why is insulin priced at ₹290).
• Your district has fewer than 5 kendras and you want to know why your district was not allocated more under the 25,000-target plan.
• PIO address: Public Information Officer, Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), 8th Floor, Videocon Tower, Block-E, Jhandewalan Extension, New Delhi – 110055. Fee: ₹10 IPO; BPL = free.

See: RTI in 12 simple steps and All money & scheme RTI guides.

RTI does NOT help here when:

• You want to become a franchisee / open a new kendra — that's a commercial application; use the dedicated franchisee portal at janaushadhi.gov.in → “Apply for Kendra”.
• You want a doctor's medical opinion on whether generic = branded for your condition — RTI cannot give clinical advice; consult an MD.
• You want a discount beyond the printed Jan Aushadhi MRP — there is no further discount; MRP is the legal ceiling.
• You want to know a specific patient's purchase history — refused under §8(1)(j) (third-party personal info).
• You want to change the molecule basket — that requires a representation to the Department of Pharmaceuticals, not RTI.

Q. Is Jan Aushadhi medicine really the same quality as branded?
Yes — by law and by lab testing. Both are made under WHO-GMP norms; the strip you buy at a Jan Aushadhi store is often manufactured by the same Sun Pharma / Cipla / Lupin plant that supplies the branded version. The molecule, dosage and bioavailability are identical.

Q. Do I need a doctor's prescription for every purchase?
For Schedule H / H1 / X drugs (most prescription medicines including antibiotics, BP, diabetes, cardiac) — yes, mandatory by Drugs & Cosmetics Rules. For OTC products (paracetamol, vitamins, sanitary pads, gloves, ORS) — no prescription needed.

Q. Will my insurance cover Jan Aushadhi purchases?
Yes. Most health insurers and TPAs (Star, HDFC Ergo, Care, Niva Bupa, Reliance General, Bajaj Allianz) accept Jan Aushadhi GST bills for outpatient claim, mediclaim reimbursement, and post-hospitalisation. CGHS and ECHS reimbursement also accept Jan Aushadhi bills since 2023.

Q. Can I order Jan Aushadhi medicines online?
Yes — via the Jan Aushadhi Sugam app's “Order Now” feature (live in 18 cities as of April 2026, expanding) or the partner portals listed on janaushadhi.gov.in. Doorstep delivery in 24-48 hours; cash on delivery available in most metros. Beware of unauthorised sellers on Amazon / Flipkart claiming “Jan Aushadhi medicines” — only the Sugam app and listed partner portals are authentic.

Q. My local doctor refuses to write generic name. What do I do?
NMC Regulation 1.5 (2016) makes generic prescription mandatory but enforcement is weak. Three options: (1) politely ask for both — molecule name in brackets; (2) use Sugam app's brand-to-generic search; (3) consult a public-sector doctor (PHC / govt hospital) — they almost always prescribe in generics.

Q. Is there a Jan Aushadhi store in rural areas?
Yes — over 60% of the 14,200 kendras are in tier-2 and tier-3 towns. The PMBJP target is at least one kendra per Block by end-2026. If your block has none, you can either request the BDO to nominate a location, or apply yourself (educational qualification: B.Pharm or D.Pharm; capital ~₹2-3 lakh).

Q. Can senior citizens get extra discount or home delivery?
There is no separate senior-citizen discount (the price is already 50-90% below market). For home delivery, larger metro kendras have started a free delivery service for senior citizens enrolled in the Repeat Patient programme. Combine with Senior citizen card for additional benefits.

Q. Are Ayurvedic and homoeopathic medicines available?
Yes — PMBJP launched an AYUSH segment in 2024 with select Ayurvedic and Unani products under the Jan Aushadhi label. Range is still small (~120 SKUs). Search for “AYUSH” filter on the Sugam app.

• Ayushman Bharat ABHA card — full 2026 guide
• Senior citizen card — eligibility, application, benefits
• Ayushman Vay Vandana for 70+ — full guide
• RTI in 12 simple steps — for first-time filers
• All Indian government helplines — one master directory
• All money & schemes RTI guides

Last reviewed: 26 April 2026 by RTI Wiki editorial team. Jan Aushadhi prices and product basket are revised quarterly by PMBI — always verify on janaushadhi.gov.in or the Sugam app. Spotted a stale figure or new helpline? Write to admin@bighelpers.in.