JP Nadda Announces Expansion of Jan Aushadhi Kendras to 17,990 Across India

India’s flagship healthcare affordability program, the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), has achieved a major milestone. Union Health Minister JP Nadda informed Parliament that 17,990 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) are now operational across the country.

Launched in 2014 with just 80 centres, the scheme has rapidly expanded to ensure wider access to generic medicines that meet WHO-GMP and NABL standards. States like Bihar alone host 1,058 Kendras, reflecting the nationwide scale of the initiative. The Kendras are designed to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure by offering medicines at significantly lower prices compared to branded alternatives.

Key Highlights

• Total Kendras: 17,990 across India as of Dec 31, 2025
• State Example: Bihar hosts 1,058 Kendras
• Quality Assurance: Medicines pre-tested, WHO-GMP & NABL compliant
• Objective: Affordable, accessible healthcare through generic medicines
• Growth: Expanded from 80 centres in 2014 to nearly 18,000 in 2025

The expansion of Jan Aushadhi Kendras underscores India’s commitment to universal healthcare access and cost reduction, making affordable medicines available to millions of households nationwide.

Sources: Indo-Asian News Service, OMMCOM News, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers