With only 199 Jan Aushadhi Kendras, Telangana ranks 19th nationally

■ As of 28th February 2025, there are 15,057 Jan Aushadhi Kendras functioning across the country, bringing affordable healthcare within reach for millions.

■ The government aims to scale this number to 25,000 Kendras by March 2026, making this expanding network pivotal in addressing the country’s growing healthcare needs.

■ Telangana ranks 19th among all Indian states and union territories in terms of total Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

Metro India News | mahesh avadhutha 

The Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) are touted as the poor man’s one stop shop for generic medicines at affordable prices. The Kendras offer medicines that are 50% to 90% cheaper than branded alternatives, without compromising on quality or efficacy.  

Under the flagship Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, the Government of India has established a wide network of 15,057. However, with only 199 Jan Aushadhi Kendras, Telangana ranks 19th nationally, contributing just over 1% to the total number of Kendras. In contrast, states like Uttar Pradesh (1,427), Gujarat (943), and Maharashtra (784) have demonstrated robust adoption of the scheme.

Fourth among South states

Among the southern states, Telangana trails behind Tamil Nadu (537), Karnataka (473), and Andhra Pradesh (276) — ranking 4th out of 5, ahead only of Kerala (103). The disparity is particularly evident in terms of population-based reach: while the national average stands at approximately 11 Kendras per million population, Telangana lags with just around 2.4 per million, underscoring the urgent need for improvement in outreach and infrastructure. This indicates a relatively lower spread of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in the state, despite its urban reach and growing population.

Jan Aushadhi Kendras

As of 28th February 2025, there are 15,057 Kendras functioning across the country, bringing affordable healthcare within reach for millions. With a national target of 25,000 Kendras by March 2026, this growing network is pivotal in addressing the country’s healthcare needs.

These medicines are procured exclusively from WHO-GMP certified manufacturers and are thoroughly tested in NABL-accredited laboratories to ensure quality. Operated by both government bodies and private entrepreneurs, Jan Aushadhi Kendras serve as a sustainable and inclusive model of healthcare delivery.