Same pills, smaller bills: Janaushadhi means savings
These centres will make World Health Organisation-certified generic medicines available at prices 50–80 per cent lower than branded alternatives, making essential healthcare more affordable for rural populations.As of March 2025, more than 2,300 PACS across 34 states and Union Territories had been approved to operate Janaushadhi Kendras, raising key questions: how evenly are these centres distributed across India, and how much can people save?More kendras, more savingsAs of February 2025, the number of Janaushadhi Kendras operating across the country stood at 16,489, more than doubling from 6,306 outlets in 2019–20.This consistent growth in presence has also led to a sharp rise in sales and consumer savings. In 2019–20, the scheme reported sales of Rs 433.61 crore with citizen savings estimated at Rs 2,500 crore. The following year, 2020–21, saw the number of kendras grow to 7,557, sales jump to Rs 665.83 crore, and estimated savings touch Rs 4,000 crore according to the Janaushadhi annual report.advertisementThis upward trend continued in 2021–22, with 8,610 kendras and Rs 5,400 crore in savings. By 2023–24, the number of centres increased to 12,616, through which people saved Rs 7,350 crore.Fraction of the PriceMedicines that typically cost hundreds or thousands are available at a fraction of the price under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana. A price comparison across ten commonly used medicines and medical items shows just how significant the savings can be.For instance, Glibenclamide, a common diabetes drug, is sold for just Rs 5.5 per strip under the scheme, compared to Rs 30 in regular pharmacies, offering a saving of around 82 per cent. A pulse oximeter, often used in respiratory care, an important machine after Covid-19, costs Rs 495 through Janaushadhi but sells for nearly Rs 1,599 in retail, a 69 per cent price cut. Budesonide inhalers used by asthma patients are available for Rs 123 compared to the market average of Rs 320.Leuprolide acetate injections, often prescribed for prostate and breast cancer, cost Rs 1,800 under the scheme, down from the market price of Rs 3,453, a 48 per cent saving. Other drugs show a similar trend. The price gap spans across multiple therapeutic areas: diabetes, oncology, cardiovascular disease, respiratory care, and even surgical consumables, and offers a wide range of 2,047 generic medicines and 300 surgical items, all priced 50 per cent to 80 per cent lower than their branded counterparts.- Ends
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