The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), popularly known as the Jan Aushadhi Yojana, stands as one of India's most impactful healthcare initiatives. Launched originally in 2008 and revamped in 2016 under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, the scheme aims to provide high-quality generic medicines and surgical items at affordable prices—often 50-90% cheaper than branded equivalents—while promoting the use of generics and reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for millions.
As of early 2026, the scheme has witnessed explosive growth. From just around 80 Kendras in 2014, the number of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) has surged dramatically. Recent updates indicate over 16,900 Kendras operational nationwide (with figures reaching approximately 16,912 as of mid-2025 and continued expansion into 2026). This rapid scaling reflects the government's commitment to making affordable healthcare accessible in every corner of the country.
The government has set an ambitious target to establish 25,000 Janaushadhi Kendras across India, with phased goals including scaling to around 20,000 by March 2026 and further to 25,000 by March 2027 in some projections. This expansion is driven by the scheme's proven success: citizens have saved tens of thousands of crores (estimated over ₹38,000 crore in recent years) by opting for quality generics, and daily footfall at Kendras averages 10-12 lakh people. For aspiring entrepreneurs, unemployed pharmacists, women, persons with disabilities (Divyang), or social organizations, opening a PMBJK in 2026 presents a golden opportunity. With low investment, government incentives, and steady demand for affordable medicines, it offers both social impact and sustainable income.
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Key Objectives of PMBJP in 2026
The scheme's core goals remain unchanged but are amplified in the current phase:
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- Ensure availability of quality generic medicines, consumables, and surgical items at significantly reduced prices.
- Build public trust in generics by dispelling myths about inferior quality.
- Generate self-employment and engage individuals, SHGs, NGOs, and cooperatives in running Kendras.
- Reduce India's healthcare burden, especially for the poor and middle-class families.
Eligibility Criteria for Opening a PMBJK in 2026
Anyone can apply, but certain qualifications and conditions apply to ensure smooth operations:
- Educational Qualification — The operator or employed pharmacist must hold a D.Pharm or B.Pharm degree (registered with the State Pharmacy Council). For non-pharmacists (e.g., doctors, NGOs), a qualified pharmacist must be appointed.
- Age & Citizenship — Applicant must be an Indian citizen, typically 18+ years.
- Divyang (persons with disabilities)
- SC/ST categories
- Ex-servicemen
- Doctors and registered medical practitioners
- Premises Requirement — Minimum space of 120 square feet (preferably in high-footfall areas like near hospitals, bus stands, markets, or residential colonies). In metros/million-plus cities, the minimum distance norm between Kendras has been relaxed or removed in many cases.
- Other — No criminal background; commitment to follow PMBI guidelines.
Required Documents for Online Application
Gather these before starting the process:
- Aadhaar Card / Voter ID (for identity proof)
- Educational certificates (D.Pharm/B.Pharm)
- Pharmacy registration certificate
- Premises proof (rent agreement/ownership documents, electricity bill)
- Bank account details
- Passport-size photos
- Category certificate (if applying under special category)
- GST registration (optional initially, but required later)
- Pharmacist appointment letter (if applicant is not qualified)
Online Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
The entire process is digital and user-friendly via the official portal janaushadhi.gov.in.
- Visit the Official Website: https://janaushadhi.gov.in/
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- Click on "Apply for Kendra" or "Online Registration" under the Applicant section.
- Register as a new user with your mobile number/email and create login credentials.
- Fill the online application form: Enter personal details, educational qualifications, premises address, and upload scanned documents.
- Pay the application fee of ₹5,000 (online via net banking/UPI/card). Special categories may get exemptions/reductions.
- Submit the form and receive an application ID for tracking.
- After submission, PMBI reviews the application (usually within weeks). You get in-principle approval if eligible.
- Complete formalities: Sign the agreement, set up the store, procure initial stock from PMBI warehouses, and get final approval.
- Launch the Kendra and start operations.
Track your status anytime on the portal under "Application Status".
Financial Incentives & Support from Government
To make the venture attractive, PMBI provides robust support:
One-time Setup Incentive — Up to ₹2 lakh for special categories (women, Divyang, SC/ST, etc.):
- ₹1.5 lakh for furniture/fixtures
- ₹0.50 lakh for computer, printer, internet setup
Purchase-Based Incentive — No capping now (recent circular removed ₹5 lakh limit) — additional incentives on purchase volume.
Profit Margin — 20% on MRP of all medicines/surgical items.
No Royalty/Franchise Fee — Just the initial application fee.
Supply Chain — Medicines supplied directly from PMBI's temperature-controlled warehouses at low rates.
Marketing & Training — Free branding, training, and promotional support.
Benefits for Operators & Expected Earnings
Running a PMBJK is a low-risk, high-social-impact business:
Low Investment — Initial setup (rent, furniture, stock) often ₹2-5 lakh, with government incentives covering a major portion.
Monthly Earnings — Depending on location and sales:
- Average monthly profit: ₹20,000 to ₹50,000+ (some Kendras earn ₹1 lakh+ in high-demand areas).
- With 20% margin + incentives, break-even is quick.
Additional Income — Sell sanitary napkins (₹1 Janaushadhi Suvidha pads), OTC items, and other products.
Social Benefits — Serve the community, build goodwill, and contribute to national health goals.
Scalability — Multiple Kendras possible; growing demand ensures long-term viability.
Benefits for Customers & Society
Customers save massively:
- Generic medicines cost 50-90% less than branded ones.
- Quality assured (BIS/WHO-GMP certified).
- Wide range: Over 2,000+ medicines and 300+ surgical devices covering most common ailments.
- Nationwide presence ensures access even in rural/tribal areas.
The scheme has reduced household out-of-pocket health expenditure significantly, aligning with India's vision of universal healthcare.
Conclusion
In 2026, PM Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra Yojana is not just a scheme—it's a movement transforming healthcare accessibility. With the government's push toward 25,000 Kendras, now is the ideal time to apply. Whether you're a pharmacist seeking self-employment or an entrepreneur wanting to contribute to society while earning steadily, this low-investment model offers immense potential.
Visit janaushadhi.gov.in today to start your application. By opening a PMBJK, you're not just starting a business—you're becoming part of India's affordable healthcare revolution.
PM Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra Yojana 2026: FAQs
Q. What is the current number of PMBJ Kendras and the target for 2026?
As of late 2025 and early 2026, more than 16,900 to 17,000 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras are operational across India. The government aims to expand the network to 20,000 Kendras by March 2026 and eventually reach 25,000 in the coming years to ensure affordable generic medicines reach every corner of the country.
Q. Who is eligible to open a PMBJ Kendra in 2026?
Any Indian citizen, including individual entrepreneurs, pharmacists, doctors, women, Divyang (persons with disabilities), SC/ST categories, ex-servicemen, NGOs, SHGs, cooperatives, or PACS can apply. The operator or appointed staff must have a D.Pharm or B.Pharm qualification and be registered with the State Pharmacy Council. No prior business experience is required, but you need a minimum 120 sq ft premises in a high-footfall area.
Q. What documents are required for online application?
Key documents include Aadhaar/Voter ID, educational certificates (D.Pharm/B.Pharm), pharmacy registration, premises proof (rent agreement or ownership + electricity bill), bank details, passport photos, category certificate (for special benefits), and pharmacist appointment letter if needed. All can be uploaded during the online process on janaushadhi.gov.in.
Q. How to apply online for a new Janaushadhi Kendra?
Visit the official website janaushadhi.gov.in, click on "Apply for Kendra", register with mobile/email, fill the form with details, upload documents, pay ₹5,000 application fee (online), and submit. You'll get an application ID to track status. After review (usually weeks), you receive in-principle approval, sign the agreement, set up the store, and get final launch permission.
Q. What financial incentives and support does the government provide?
Operators get a 20% profit margin on MRP of all medicines and surgical items. Special categories (women, Divyang, SC/ST, ex-servicemen, aspirational districts) receive up to ₹2 lakh one-time incentive (₹1.5 lakh for furniture/fixtures + ₹0.50 lakh for computer/printer/internet). Purchase-based incentives have no upper cap now (recent removal of ₹5 lakh limit). Medicines are supplied directly from PMBI warehouses at low rates with no royalty or franchise fee.
Q. How much investment is needed and what can be the monthly earnings?
Initial investment is low—around ₹2-5 lakh (rent, furniture, initial stock), with government incentives covering a big part for eligible applicants. Average monthly profit ranges from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000+, depending on location and sales volume. High-footfall areas (near hospitals/markets) can earn ₹1 lakh+ per month, plus extra from sanitary napkins and OTC products.
Q. Are the generic medicines at Janaushadhi Kendras really of good quality?
Yes, all medicines are BIS/WHO-GMP certified, quality-tested, and equally effective as branded ones. They undergo strict quality checks before supply. The scheme focuses on building trust in generics, which cost 50-90% less than branded equivalents, helping families save thousands on healthcare.
Q. What products are sold at PMBJ Kendras besides medicines?
Kendras sell over 2,000+ generic medicines, 300+ surgical consumables/devices, and affordable items like Janaushadhi Suvidha sanitary napkins (₹1 per pad). Some also offer OTC products, health supplements, and Ayurvedic items for immunity boosting.
Q. Is there any distance rule between two Kendras?
Generally, a 1 km distance is maintained between Kendras in the same area to avoid competition. However, in metros, big cities, hospitals, or high-demand zones, this norm has been relaxed or removed to increase accessibility.
Q. What are the operating hours and other important rules?
Normal hours are 8 AM to 8 PM, but in metros/big cities/hospitals, Kendras may stay open longer (e.g., 6 AM to midnight). Operators must display contact details for after-hours needs, follow PMBI guidelines strictly, and focus only on approved products without selling non-scheme items without permission.
For the latest updates, always check janaushadhi.gov.in or contact the toll-free helpline. Opening a PMBJK in 2026 is a golden chance for self-employment with social impact!