What this scheme offers
A branded medicine and its generic equivalent typically contain the exact same active ingredient at the same dose — the price difference comes almost entirely from marketing, not medicine. Jan Aushadhi makes that difference visible and avoidable: generic medicines sold at 50 to 90% below the price of their branded counterparts, through a network that's grown past 15,000 dedicated Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country. There's no eligibility test or income ceiling — it's open to literally anyone, which is part of the point. The scheme covers over 2,000 medicines and 300-plus surgical and consumable items, and because the stores are run as a franchise (anyone can apply to open one, including unemployed pharmacists, individuals and NGOs, with a government incentive for the first ₹5 lakh of stock), the network keeps expanding into areas commercial pharmacies haven't reached.
Who is eligible
- No eligibility criteria — open to all Indian residents.
- No income, age, or category restriction to purchase medicines.
Documents required
- None required to buy medicines — simply visit any Jan Aushadhi Kendra with your prescription
How to apply
- Find your nearest Jan Aushadhi Kendra using the Janaushadhi Sugam mobile app or the official website's store locator.
- Carry your doctor's prescription (as for any pharmacy purchase) and buy the generic equivalent at the counter.
- Compare the price list on the Jan Aushadhi website or app if you want to check savings before visiting.
- To open a Jan Aushadhi Kendra yourself, apply online through janaushadhi.gov.in — individuals, pharmacists, NGOs, trusts and state nominees are all eligible applicants, with a subsidy of up to ₹5 lakh on initial stock and furniture for most categories.