SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has registered a significant Rs 69.37 crore in sales under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) during the fiscal year 2025-26, the Union Government informed the Lok Sabha. Concurrently, the Centre reaffirmed its commitment to rigorous quality checks for generic medicines supplied through Jan Aushadhi Kendras, assuring consumers of their safety and efficacy.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, provided this data in response to an unstarred question. She also highlighted that medical practitioners are mandated by the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, to prescribe medicines using their generic names. Furthermore, the Directorate General of Health Services has issued directives to all doctors serving in Central Government hospitals, CGHS Wellness Centres, and polyclinics, urging them to prioritize the prescription of generic medications.
The parliamentary submission revealed that Jan Aushadhi Kendras across Jammu and Kashmir collectively achieved sales totaling Rs 69.37 crore in the specified period. Nationally, the PMBJP scheme reported total sales amounting to Rs 2,252.21 crore, with an estimated 1.5 million individuals visiting Jan Aushadhi Kendras daily across the country. The government clarified that it does not maintain constituency-specific data regarding the beneficiaries who purchase medicines from these centres.
Addressing potential concerns regarding the quality of generic medicines, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare stated that all medications distributed through Jan Aushadhi Kendras are sourced exclusively from manufacturers possessing World Health Organization-Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP) certification. The ministry further elaborated that each batch of medicine undergoes mandatory quality testing at laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) prior to its distribution to the Kendras. Regular quality audits of manufacturing facilities are also conducted by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India.
To bolster public trust in Jan Aushadhi medicines, the government has initiated comprehensive nationwide awareness campaigns. These initiatives employ a multi-pronged approach utilizing print media, television, radio, social media platforms, and community outreach programs. Activities include health camps, seminars, rallies, targeted WhatsApp campaigns, audio-visual presentations, and rural awareness drives, all designed to effectively counter misconceptions surrounding the quality of generic pharmaceuticals.
The ministry also updated Parliament on the advancements of the Jan Aushadhi Sugam mobile application. This application facilitates users in locating nearby Jan Aushadhi Kendras, checking the availability of medicines, and comparing the prices of generic versus branded medications. Significantly, the application has now been integrated with the Arogya Setu 2.0 platform, which operates under the umbrella of the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
Under the overarching AB-PMJAY scheme, eligible families are entitled to cashless health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually. This comprehensive healthcare benefit package encompasses medicines, diagnostic services, implants, consumables, and follow-up care as integral components of hospitalisation benefits, aiming to provide accessible and affordable healthcare solutions.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
