Srinagar, Apr 21: The number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in Jammu and Kashmir has reached a record high of 324, with outlets established in both hospitals and open markets. These centres are playing a crucial role in providing affordable, quality medicines and significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
An official stated that the sale of generic drugs through Jan Aushadhi Kendras in Jammu and Kashmir has shown marked improvement compared to previous years.
As per official data, in the financial year 2024–2025, generic medicines worth Rs 61.95 crore were sold through these Kendras, resulting in savings of Rs 371 crore in out-of-pocket expenditure due to the lower prices of medicines at these outlets.
Rifat Nazir, Nodal Officer for the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) under the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), said the network of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in the Union Territory has grown steadily, with 324 centres now operational—nearly 200 of which are in open markets.
“There is a significant variation in the prices of medicines available in the market. With the establishment of government-run drug stores, people have been able to save over Rs 371 crore in the past year alone, as medicines are sold at subsidised rates,” Rifat said.
In addition to district headquarters, the health department has extended Jan Aushadhi Kendras to remote and far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir, where access to essential medicines was previously limited or nonexistent.
“We have covered almost all regions. Today, Jammu and Kashmir is leading among Union Territories regarding Jan Aushadhi Kendra coverage, including sales and outreach. We are progressing well and will continue to expand,” she added.
What began with just 20 medicines has now expanded to over 2,000 generic drugs and 300 surgical items, with new additions being made regularly, bringing significant relief to patients across the region.
Rifat also said they plan to open more Kendras in the private sector this year. “We have already set up Kendras in Kupwara and other areas near the Line of Control to ensure access to affordable medicines in the most challenging terrains,” she said.
She said they plan to open one more Jan Aushadhi Kendra at AIIMS Jammu, for which they have approached Director AIIMS. Another Kendra is also proposed for MCH Jammu. “We will try to open these Kendras in schools and universities in J&K,” she said.
The Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana is a Government of India initiative aimed at ensuring the availability of high-quality generic medicines at affordable prices through dedicated Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
Launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, the scheme ensures that these medicines, equivalent in efficacy to their branded counterparts, are accessible to all, especially the economically weaker sections of society.
