Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra (PMBJK)

The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) was introduced on April 23, 2008, by the Pharma Advisory Forum. Through this scheme, generic medicines are made available to the general public at affordable prices through retail medical stores known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra.

The Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), formerly known as Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI), is responsible for the manufacture, marketing, and quality control of generic pharmaceuticals. 

The medicines are obtained from WHO Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Current Good Manufacturing Practice, and CPSU manufacturers. The mentioned system ensures that the medicines meet the quality standards set by the PMBI.

As of 30 June 2025, 16,912 Janaushadhi Kendras have been opened across the country, offering more than 2,110 drugs and about 315 surgical items.

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana has been launched to achieve the following objectives:

• To reduce the cost of healthcare for each Indian citizen by offering high-quality generic medications at reasonable costs
  

• To raise public awareness about generic medications
  

• To encourage consumers to purchase generic drugs through Jan Aushadhi Kendras
  

• To provide a wide range of commonly used generic medications that cover all major therapeutic categories
  

• To offer other associated healthcare products to everyone as part of the program

• Individual Entrepreneurs
  

• Pharmacists
  

• Doctors
  

• Registered Medical Practitioners
  

• NGOs
  

• Charitable Institutions
  

• Cooperative Trusts and Societies,
  

• Self-help groups and State government-nominated agencies can apply for a Jan Aushadhi Medical Store
   

For individual applicants, a D.Pharm/B.Pharm degree or employing those with these degrees is a must. The same goes for any organisation or NGO applying for a Jan Aushadhi Medical Store licence.

Online Application Process

1. Visit the official Jan Aushadhi website at https://janaushadhi.gov.in/online_registration.aspx.
   

2. Scroll down and click on ‘APPLY FOR KENDRA’.
   

3. The login page will open. If you are not registered yet, click on ‘Register Now’ to proceed with creating an account.
   

4. You will be redirected to the registration form. Fill in your details carefully and click on ‘Create an Account’.
   

5. If you are already registered, simply enter your credentials and log in. You can log in using any of the following modes:
   

   • Email ID
     

   • Mobile Number
     

   • User ID
     

6. After logging in, complete the detailed application form and upload the necessary documents.
   

7. Pay the non-refundable application fee of ₹5,000 through online payment methods such as NEFT, RTGS, or UPI. Note that the fee is waived for specific categories like women entrepreneurs and SC/ST applicants.
   

8. Once completed, submit your application.

Alternative: Using the Old Portal

1. Visit the Jan Aushadhi website at https://janaushadhi.gov.in/online_registration.aspx
   

2. Scroll down and click on ‘APPLY FOR KENDRA’
   

3. You will be redirected to the application page. Look for the ‘Old Application Portal’ and click on it
   

4. This will take you to the official PMBI registration page: https://onlineapp.pmbi.co.in/
   

5. Register as instructed. If you are already registered, simply use your User ID and Password to log in
   

6. Follow the steps as mentioned above and submit your application

Offline Application Process

1. Download the application form from the Jan Aushadhi website
   

2. Keep ready all necessary documents similar to those required for online submission (Aadhaar, PAN, drug licence, etc.)
   

3. Fill the form manually, ensuring all details are accurate
   

4. Send your completed application form along with all required documents to:

To

The CEO,

Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI)

Office At: B-500, B-Tower, 5th Floor, Nauroji Nagar,

World Trade Center, New Delhi-110029.

You can also apply through the GST Suvidha Centers operating across the country, that offer an easy platform to proceed with the application process.

The following eligibility is required to apply for a Jan Aushadhi Kendra:

• Individual applicants must have D. Pharma/B. Pharma Degree
  

• If it's an organisation/NGO, they must have to employ B. Pharma / D. Pharma degree holders and produce proof of the same

Apart from the eligibility criteria, applicants are required to fulfil the below list of requirements to open a Jan Aushadhi Kendra

• Individuals must have Aadhaar and PAN cards
  

• Owned space or hired space (min. 120 sq. ft) backed by a proper lease
  

• Drug licence and other relevant permissions to run a medical store
  

• Applicants must ensure compliance, including for the storage of medicines
  

• Charitable institutions/NGOs/hospitals, etc., must submit an Aadhaar card, PAN card, certificate of incorporation, and registration certificate, among other documents
  

• Government-nominated agency documents include details of the department that has allocated the space along with the supporting documents, i.e., sanction order, PAN card, and Aadhaar card
  

• Proof of securing a pharmacist with computer skills
  

• Proof of financial capacity to run the store supported by audited accounts for the last three years

Besides, a non-refundable application fee of ₹5,000 is required to be paid. However, women entrepreneurs, Divyang, SC/ST, and other entrepreneurs from aspirational districts are exempt from this fee if they submit relevant proof at the time of application.

Below are the key monetary benefits and incentives of opening a PMJAK:

• Operating Margin

Retailers receive a 20% profit margin on the MRP (excluding taxes) of each generic drug, while distributors are entitled to a 10% margin on the MRP.

• Annual Incentive

PMJAK owners can earn an annual incentive of up to ₹2.5 Lakhs if their Kendra is linked with PMBI (Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana).

• Special Incentives for Eligible Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs in specific categories—such as women, persons with disabilities (Divyang), SC, ST, ex-servicemen, or those setting up Kendras in aspirational districts (notified by NITI Aayog), Himalayan regions, Island territories, and North-Eastern states—are eligible for an additional ₹2 Lakhs. 

This incentive includes:

• ₹1.5 Lakhs for furniture and fixture reimbursement
  
• ₹0.5 Lakh for purchasing computers, printers, and internet equipment

This one-time grant requires submission of original bills and is applicable only to one family member, as per the “One Family – One Grant” formula.

• Normal Incentive

PMJAKs linked to the PMBI via PoS Software are eligible for a 20% incentive on monthly purchases made from PMBI, capped at ₹20,000 per month.

• 50% of the incentive is based on the monthly purchase volume, and the remaining 50% is contingent upon maintaining a stock of at least 200 medicines.
  
• Stocking Mandate:
  
  • 180-200 products: 100% payment
    
  • 150-179 products: 80% payment
    
  • 100-149 products: 50% payment
    
  • Fewer than 100 products: No payment

The incentive is calculated automatically through the PoS System for purchases, with the remaining portion determined by stock maintenance.

• Incentives for Government Premises

PMJAKs located on government premises are eligible for the same incentives as those set up in private locations.

• Compensation for Specific Categories
  
  • Store owners from SC/ST or differently-abled categories will receive ₹50,000 worth of medicines in advance
    
  • ₹50,000 is available for purchasing computers and printers, and ₹1 Lakh for furniture and fixtures
    
• Compensation for Expired Drugs

Store operators will be compensated 2% for the loss of expired drugs

Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra (PMJAK) plays a pivotal role in providing affordable generic medicines. It not only supports the healthcare ecosystem but also offers a sustainable business opportunity for entrepreneurs, pharmacists, and medical practitioners looking to make a meaningful impact. Through grants, subsidies, and incentives, PMJAK helps with initial setup costs, such as furniture, equipment, and fixtures, as well as ongoing operational support.

However, to fully fund the Kendra setup, applicants may require additional financing. Depending on your situation, a professional loan could be beneficial for furnishing and equipping the Kendra, while a business loan may help with larger investments, including space, drug licensing, and stocking. You can apply through Bajaj Markets to access the financial support needed for your PMJAK journey.