20,149 Jan Aushadhi Kendras have opened across the country; find out how you can open one of these affordable medicine shops..

The government is implementing the 'Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra' scheme to provide affordable medicines to the common man and boost employment. So far, 20,149 Jan Aushadhi Kendras have been opened across the country under this scheme. The central government informed Parliament on Friday that people have saved approximately ₹45,000 crore through the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Yojana. Currently, the scheme is operational in 776 out of the country's 784 districts. Except lab reagents and vaccines, the product basket includes almost all generic medicines listed in the 'National List of Essential Medicines'.

Under the Jan Aushadhi Yojana, people have saved around ₹45,000 crore compared to the cost of branded medicines. The scheme offers 2,110 types of medicines and 315 surgical items, medical consumables, and equipment. These include medicines for heart disease, cancer, diabetes, infections, allergies, and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as nutraceuticals.

**Government Assistance for Opening Jan Aushadhi Kendras**

For opening a Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra, the government not only provides a one-time incentive of up to ₹2 lakh but also supplies medicines to the store owner at rates lower than the market price. It offers a 20% commission on medicine sales and additional incentives for higher sales volumes.

**Who Can Open a Jan Aushadhi Kendra?**

Any individual, hospital, NGO, or pharmacist can open a Jan Aushadhi Kendra. The government provides ₹2 lakh for purchasing furniture, computers, refrigerators, etc., for the center. To open this affordable medicine store, you need a space of at least 120 square feet; the premises can also be rented.

Additionally, you must have a registered pharmacist available. Details regarding their name and registration must be provided at the time of the center's approval. If you belong to any of the following categories—women entrepreneurs, ex-servicemen, persons with disabilities (PwD), SC/ST, or entrepreneurs from Aspirational Districts (identified by NITI Aayog), Himalayan regions, island territories, or North-Eastern states—you must submit the relevant certificate and an undertaking.

**Application Fee: ₹5,000**
Applicants for a Jan Aushadhi Kendra are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of ₹5,000. However, women entrepreneurs, persons with disabilities, SC/ST candidates, ex-servicemen, and entrepreneurs from Aspirational Districts (identified by NITI Aayog), Himalayan regions, island territories, and North-Eastern states are exempt from this fee; in other words, they can apply free of cost.

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