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+{{htmlmetatags>metatag-keywords=(Jan Aushadhi store near me,PMBJP store locator,Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana,janaushadhi.gov.in,generic medicines 50% discount,Jan Aushadhi Kendra 2026,PMBJP medicine list,affordable medicines India,diabetes medicines cheap,Jan Aushadhi app,generic vs branded medicine,11000 stores,PMBJP helpline 1800)&metatag-description=(Step-by-step 2026 guide to finding a Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) Jan Aushadhi store near you — use janaushadhi.gov.in locator, the Jan Aushadhi Sugam app, or call 1800-180-8080. Save 50-90% on generic medicines for diabetes, BP, heart, cancer. With escalation path: PMBI helpline → CPGRAMS → RTI to PMBI Pharma PSU.)}}
+====== How to find a Jan Aushadhi store near you — complete 2026 guide ======
+{{ :social:auto:find-jan-aushadhi-store-2026.png?direct&1200 |How to find Jan Aushadhi store 2026 — RTI Wiki citizen guide}}
+{{page>snippets:dpdp-banner}}
+<WRAP info>
+**Quick answer.** The **Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)** sells the same generic medicines you buy at any chemist — at **50% to 90% lower prices**. As of April 2026 there are **over 14,200 Jan Aushadhi Kendras** across India (target: 25,000 by end-2026). Find your nearest store three ways: (1) **janaushadhi.gov.in** → "Jan Aushadhi Kendra" → enter PIN code; (2) **Jan Aushadhi Sugam** app on Play Store / App Store; (3) call the toll-free helpline **1800-180-8080** (8 am – 8 pm). Carry your doctor's prescription — generic equivalent is dispensed by molecule name, not brand name. No insurance needed, no membership card, no income proof.
+</WRAP>
+===== Mahesh's story — "₹2,500 a month gone, just on diabetes pills" =====
+<WRAP center round box 80%>
+//Mahesh Bhonsle, 58, retired BEST bus driver in Kurla, Mumbai. Diabetic since 2014, also on BP medication. Lives on a pension of ₹19,400 a month plus his wife's tailoring income.//
+> "For nine years I was buying Glycomet-GP 2 (metformin + glimepiride) and Telma-40 (telmisartan) from the local medical store. The bill was ₹2,400-2,600 every month. My grandson showed me a YouTube video about Jan Aushadhi in May 2026. I didn't believe it — same medicine for ₹250 instead of ₹2,500? I went to the Sugam app, found a Kendra at Kurla West railway station — exactly 1.4 km from my house. The pharmacist there is Mrs. Khan. She read my prescription, dispensed the **same molecule** — metformin 500 + glimepiride 2 mg, 30 tablets — for **₹38**. Telmisartan 40 mg, 30 tablets — **₹22**. Total bill **₹60**. I asked her three times — 'Madam, yeh same medicine hai?' She showed me the strip — same chemical, same dosage, made by Sun Pharma under PMBI label. Now I save **almost ₹2,500 every month**. In a year that is ₹30,000 — that pays my electricity, gas and DTH together. **The only mistake was waiting nine years.**"
+—Mahesh, June 2026
+</WRAP>
+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.
+===== What is a Jan Aushadhi store — and why is it cheaper? =====
+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.
+===== Step-by-step process =====
+==== Step 1 — Confirm your prescription is in molecule (generic) name ====
+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.
+==== Step 2 — Open the store locator (3 ways) ====
+**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.
+==== Step 3 — Visit the store with prescription + photo ID ====
+  * 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.
+==== Step 4 — Verify the medicine before leaving ====
+  * 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"**.
+==== Step 5 — Save the bill — useful for tax + insurance ====
+  * The Jan Aushadhi bill is GST-compliant and can be claimed for:
+    - **§80D** (preventive health check-up + medicines for senior citizens): up to ₹50,000 per year.
+    - **Mediclaim reimbursement** (most insurers, including PMJAY supplementary outpatient riders, accept Jan Aushadhi bills).
+    - **CGHS / ECHS** post-payment reimbursement (subject to scheme rules).
+==== Step 6 — Subscribe to repeat-supply for chronic medication ====
+  * 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.
+==== Step 7 — If the medicine is not available, get a Stock-Out Slip ====
+  * 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).
+==== Step 8 — Report fake / overcharging through official complaint channel ====
+  * If a kendra charges above MRP, refuses to give a bill, or sells expired stock — report immediately:
+    - **Email:** complaint@janaushadhi.gov.in
+    - **PMBI Helpline:** 1800-180-8080
+    - **CPGRAMS:** https://pgportal.gov.in (Department of Pharmaceuticals).
+  * Always quote the **store-code** (visible on every kendra signboard and on the bill).
+===== Sample fee + price-comparison table =====
+<code>
++-------------------------------+----------------+----------------+----------+
+| 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     | --       |
++-------------------------------+----------------+----------------+----------+
+</code>
+Prices above are illustrative as of April 2026 (PMBI price list). Verify on the Sugam app — prices revised quarterly.
+===== Common reasons people get stuck =====
+  * **"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.
+===== If stuck — the escalation ladder =====
+==== Rung 1 — Kendra in-charge / store manager ====
+  * 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.
+==== Rung 2 — PMBI national helpline ====
+  * **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.
+==== Rung 3 — CPGRAMS ====
+  * 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.
+==== Rung 4 — State Drug Controller (for quality / fake drug) ====
+  * 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
+==== Rung 5 — Right to Information (RTI) ====
+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-for-beginners|RTI in 12 simple steps]] and [[:rti-for-money-and-schemes|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.
+===== FAQs =====
+**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 [[:apply-senior-citizen-card-2026|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.
+===== Related on RTI Wiki =====
+  * [[:apply-ayushman-bharat-abha-card-2026|Ayushman Bharat ABHA card — full 2026 guide]]
+  * [[:apply-senior-citizen-card-2026|Senior citizen card — eligibility, application, benefits]]
+  * [[:apply-ayushman-vay-vandana-yojana-70-2026|Ayushman Vay Vandana for 70+ — full guide]]
+  * [[:rti-for-beginners|RTI in 12 simple steps — for first-time filers]]
+  * [[:helplines:start|All Indian government helplines — one master directory]]
+  * [[:rti-for-money-and-schemes|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.//
+{{tag>jan-aushadhi pmbjp generic-medicines pharmaceuticals affordable-healthcare janaushadhi-gov-in pmbi sugam-app store-locator diabetes-medicines hypertension senior-citizen citizen-guide help-first 2026}}

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