How to Get Free or Low-Cost Medicines in India Through PMBJP: A Life-Changing Guide for Every Family

Discover how to access affordable or nearly free medicines in India through the PMBJP scheme. This guide shows you where, how, and why it matters—step by step.

A Lifesaver for Indian Families: Your Guide to Free & Subsidized Medicines Through PMBJP

Imagine standing in a pharmacy line, holding a prescription in hand, your heart pounding—not because of illness, but because of the cost. The branded medicines your doctor prescribed cost more than your monthly groceries. And you’re not alone. Millions of families across India face this very situation, where buying life-saving medicine means cutting back on meals, education, or other basic needs.

But what if there was a way to reduce those costs by 70–90%—without compromising on quality?

This is where the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) steps in like a silent warrior for the common man. Launched by the Indian government, this initiative is transforming lives by providing affordable, quality medicines through a network of dedicated outlets—called Janaushadhi Kendras—across the country.

Let’s dive deep into how you or your loved ones can benefit from this scheme, and why it could be one of the most important public health programs in India today.

What Is PMBJP and Why Should You Care?

Started originally as the Jan Aushadhi Scheme in 2008 and revamped under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, PMBJP aims to make high-quality generic medicines accessible to all, especially the poor and middle class.

These medicines are sold through Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) at prices that are 50% to 90% lower than their branded counterparts. The scheme is run by the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI).

And it’s not just about affordability. It's about dignity. It's about the right to health, without the weight of financial ruin.

How to Access Affordable Medicines Through PMBJP – A Simple, Practical Guide

Let’s break it down into easy, actionable steps.

✅ Step 1: Locate Your Nearest Janaushadhi Kendra

You don’t need to travel miles or go on a treasure hunt. Finding a PMBJP store is easier than ever.

How to do it:

• Visit janaushadhi.gov.in and use the “Find a Kendra” feature.
• Download the Jan Aushadhi Sugam App via Google Play Store or UMANG app.
• Ask at your local government hospital or health center. Many Kendras are located nearby.  Most stores operate from 8 AM to 8 PM—but call ahead if you can. Contact numbers are listed on the official website.

Did you know? As of early 2025, there are over 15,000 Kendras across India, with a goal to hit 25,000 by end of year. States like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are seeing rapid expansion.

✅ Step 2: Check If Your Required Medicine Is Available

There’s no point reaching the store only to return empty-handed. So check in advance.

Ways to check:

• Use the Jan Aushadhi Sugam app to search for the medicine by name.
• Visit janaushadhi.gov.in to see the complete medicine and surgical product list (over 2,300 medicines and 293 surgical items available).
• Call your nearby Kendra for real-time stock updates.

Pro Tip: If your required medicine isn’t available, the Kendra staff can order it. But due to supply chain issues in some areas, delays can happen.

✅ Step 3: Get a Valid Prescription (When Needed)

While over-the-counter meds are sold freely, prescription drugs like antibiotics, cardiac, or diabetic medicines require a valid doctor’s prescription.

Encourage your doctor to prescribe generic names rather than brands. Many still hesitate, but PMBI ensures all products meet strict quality standards backed by National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories.

✅ Step 4: Buy the Medicines and Save Big

Here’s where your wallet breathes a sigh of relief.

What to expect:

• Medicines cost up to 90% less than market price.
• Payment via cash, card, or UPI.
• Some Kendras may limit bulk purchase of high-demand drugs to ensure fair distribution.

???? Example: A cancer medicine priced at ₹6,500 in the open market may cost just ₹800 at a Janaushadhi Kendra.

✅ Step 5: Give Feedback or Report Issues

Help make the system better for everyone.

Here’s how:

• Call the PMBI helpline at 1800 180 8080 (toll-free).
• Use the Sugam App to leave feedback or raise issues like out-of-stock medicines or quality concerns.

Real feedback from citizens has helped expand product lines and fix local issues.

More Than Just Medicines: What Else Can You Buy?

The PMBJP scheme goes beyond tablets and syrups. It offers a full range of healthcare essentials:

• Surgical Items: Gloves, syringes, dressings, masks, and more.
• Personal Care: Janaushadhi Suvidha sanitary napkins (just ₹1 each!), oral care, wellness supplements.
• Devices: Thermometers, blood pressure monitors, and first-aid kits (availability may vary).

In April 2025, Vitamin D3 oral disintegrating strips were launched—₹90 for 10 strips! A game-changer in preventive care.

Real Impact: How This Scheme Is Changing Lives

• ₹30,000 crore in total consumer savings since inception.
• ₹1,000 crore saved every month as of March 2025.
• Tens of thousands of families spared from debt or financial disaster.

Source: Government statements, PMBI posts, and Press Information Bureau (PIB) updates.

⚠️ Challenges Still Remain

Not everything is perfect. Here are a few roadblocks that need attention:

• Stock shortages: Some Kendras suffer from supply delays or limited inventory.
• Low awareness: Many citizens don’t know about the scheme—or don’t trust generics.
• Doctor hesitation: Some doctors still prefer prescribing branded drugs due to misconceptions.

This is where YOU come in—by spreading awareness and asking the right questions at your next doctor visit.

What If There’s No Kendra Nearby?

Don’t lose hope. You still have options:

1. Government Hospitals: Many distribute free medicines under Ayushman Bharat or state-specific schemes.
2. NGOs and Trusts: Organizations like AIIMS and others distribute medicines to the underprivileged.
3. State Schemes:
• Tamil Nadu’s Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam: Doorstep delivery of free medicines.
• Local efforts like “Dawai Dost” in Palamu (Jharkhand) offer subsidized rates.

Useful Resources and Contacts

•  janaushadhi.gov.in – Official PMBI portal
•  Jan Aushadhi Sugam App – Track stock, find stores, give feedback
•  Toll-Free Helpline: 1800 180 8080
•  Social Media: Follow @pmbjppmbi for updates on X (formerly Twitter)
•  pib.gov.in – Government announcements and scheme updates

In a country where a hospital visit can cost a family its future, the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana offers hope. It levels the playing field, giving ordinary citizens access to extraordinary care—without the burden of high costs.

So, the next time you or someone in your family needs medicine, remember: quality and affordability can go hand in hand.

Share this guide with someone who needs it. You might just help save a life—or a livelihood.

Generic Medicine Cost in India - Janaushadhi