How To Open A Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra

The PMBJP scheme aims to improve access to quality generic medicines at affordable prices while creating opportunities for self-employment. A PMBJK can be opened by eligible individuals and organisations that meet PMBI’s requirements.

• Eligibility: an individual applicant must hold a D. Pharma or B. Pharma qualification, or employ a qualified pharmacist and provide the required proof. Organisations must also arrange a qualified pharmacist.
• Premises: the official opening guidelines specify a minimum space of 120 sq. ft., supported by ownership, lease or space-allotment documents.
• Documents: applicants may need Aadhaar, PAN, pharmacist registration details, bank statements, income-tax returns, premises documents and category proof, depending on the applicant type.
• Application fee: the official guidelines list a non-refundable fee of Rs. 5,000, with exemptions for specified applicant categories when supporting proof is provided.
• Operating requirements: applicants must obtain the required drug licence, sign the PMBI agreement, use the prescribed billing software and follow the scheme’s operating conditions.
• Incentives: PMBI’s opening guidelines state a 20% retail margin on MRP excluding taxes. Other incentives and conditions can change, so confirm the current terms directly with PMBI.

If you need funds for eligible setup expenses, such as shop interiors, equipment or working capital, you may explore a Bajaj Finance Doctor Loan. Check your doctor loan eligibility to explore financial support for your training and related educational needs.

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra is a dedicated outlet under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana. The scheme aims to make quality generic medicines available at affordable prices and reduce patients’ out-of-pocket spending on medicines. The Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India, implements the scheme.

Medicines are procured through the scheme’s supply system. PMBI states that batches are tested by laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) before supply to Kendras. Check PMBI’s official website for the current product list and prices.

The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) aims to make quality generic medicines available to people across India at affordable prices. The scheme has four main objectives.

1. Provide affordable medicines: Make quality medicines, medical consumables and surgical items available at lower prices to reduce patients’ out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.

2. Promote generic medicines: Educate people about generic medicines and address the misconception that lower-priced medicines are less effective or of inferior quality.

3. Improve menstrual health access: Ensure women across India can access affordable menstrual health products and services.

4. Generate employment: Encourage individual entrepreneurs to open and operate Jan Aushadhi Kendras, creating self-employment opportunities while improving access to medicines.

Through these objectives, PMBJP seeks to make essential healthcare more affordable and accessible to people from different income groups.

A Jan Aushadhi Kendra is a dedicated medicine outlet established under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). It provides quality generic medicines and selected surgical items at affordable prices. The scheme helps people manage healthcare expenses while creating self-employment opportunities for eligible individuals and organisations. 

1. Affordable generic medicines:

Jan Aushadhi Kendras offer generic medicines at prices generally 50% to 80% lower than those of comparable branded medicines in the open market. This helps customers access prescribed medicines at lower costs and manage recurring healthcare expenses.

2. Quality-tested medicines:

Medicines supplied through the scheme are procured from manufacturers that meet the prescribed quality requirements. Each batch undergoes testing at laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) before distribution.

3. A wide range of healthcare products:

Jan Aushadhi Kendras provide medicines across various therapeutic categories, along with selected surgical items and other healthcare products. The range helps customers find products for different healthcare needs at one outlet. Product availability may vary between Kendras.

4. Opportunities for different applicants:

Individuals, proprietors, partnerships, charitable institutions, hospitals, trusts, societies, non-governmental organisations and eligible government agencies can apply to open a Kendra. Applicants must meet the applicable requirements for premises, licensing, pharmacist arrangements and other documentation.

5. Financial incentives for eligible operators:

Eligible Jan Aushadhi Kendra operators can receive purchase-linked incentives under the applicable scheme guidelines. Additional one-time financial assistance may be available to eligible applicants, including women, persons with disabilities, ex-servicemen and those opening Kendras in specified regions. The amount and eligibility conditions depend on the current scheme guidelines.

6. Access to affordable menstrual health products:

Jan Aushadhi Kendras also offer Jan Aushadhi Suvidha oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins at Rs. 1 per pad. This initiative supports access to affordable menstrual hygiene products for women.

PMBI’s opening guidelines set eligibility and staffing requirements for individuals and organisations. Check the current guidelines before applying because requirements and accepted applicant categories may be updated. Applicant types listed by PMBI include:

• Individual entrepreneur or proprietor
• Partnership
• Charitable institute or hospital
• NGO, trust or society
• Government or government-nominated agency
• Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS), subject to the applicable process

Individual applicants must hold a D. Pharma or B. Pharma qualification or employ a D. Pharma/B. Pharma-qualified pharmacist and provide proof at the required stage. Organisations and other applicant types must also provide evidence that a qualified pharmacist has been secured. Pharmacist registration with the relevant State Pharmacy Council should be documented.

For a Kendra proposed within government hospital premises, PMBI’s guidelines state that reputed NGOs or charitable organisations are preferred, although individuals may also be eligible under the stated conditions and with the required recommendation or approval.

PMBI’s opening guidelines specify a minimum area of 120 sq. ft. for the proposed Kendra. The applicant must arrange the premises and provide a lease agreement, ownership proof or space-allotment letter, as applicable. PMBI does not arrange premises for the applicant.

The guidelines also state a general minimum distance of 1 kilometre between Kendras when approving new locations. Exceptions apply around specified government hospitals, private hospitals with 100 or more beds, and hospitals attached to or associated with medical colleges. PMBI assesses the location and viability; meeting a distance condition alone does not guarantee approval.

• Check whether the space meets PMBI’s current minimum-area and layout requirements.
• Check the proposed location against the current distance policy and any applicable exception.
• Confirm that the lease or allotment documents support the proposed use.
• Check whether the site can meet drug-storage, billing, stock and operational requirements.
• Assess whether rent and working capital are manageable if sales take time to build.

The document list depends on the applicant category. PMBI’s published guidelines include the following documents or evidence, as applicable:

Use the checklist in the latest PMBI application portal and guidelines as the final authority. Additional or different documents may apply to PACS, government-nominated agencies, NGOs or applicants claiming a special incentive. 

New applications are directed through the official PMBJP website. The exact screens and document-upload requirements may change, so follow the instructions displayed in the live portal.

1. Open the official Janaushadhi website.
2.  
3. Choose the option to apply for a Kendra and read the current opening guidelines and agreement before starting.
4. Register with the requested applicant details and contact information.
5. Complete the application form with applicant details, proposed location, applicant category and other required information.
6. Upload the supporting documents in the formats and file sizes accepted by the portal.
7. Pay the non-refundable Rs. 5,000 application fee through the official payment process if the applicant is not eligible for an exemption. Applicants claiming an exemption should provide the required category proof.
8. Review the form, declarations, location information and documents before submitting.
9. Save the application acknowledgement and use the official portal to check application status or respond to requests for further information.

Check your doctor loan eligibility to explore financial support for your training and related educational needs.

Yes, eligible applicants can apply offline to open a Jan Aushadhi Kendra under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). Applicants need to complete the prescribed application form, attach the required documents and submit them to the designated PMBJP authority. The application must meet the scheme’s eligibility criteria and operational requirements.

Before applying, keep documents such as identity proof, address proof, pharmacy registration details, premises ownership or rental documents, and other applicable certificates ready. A registered pharmacist and a suitable shop premises may also be required, depending on the applicant category and current guidelines.

After submission, the application and supporting documents are reviewed by the concerned authority. Approval depends on eligibility, document verification and compliance with the applicable scheme conditions. Applicants should check the latest PMBJP guidelines or contact the official scheme authority to confirm the application form, submission address, documents and any applicable fees before submitting an offline application.

• Sign the required agreement with PMBI before starting operations.
• Obtain the drug licence in the name required by the scheme and any other permissions needed to operate the store.
• Use the premises solely for the Kendra and do not transfer or sublet it contrary to the agreement.
• Use PMBI’s prescribed software for billing; the opening guidelines state that medicines must not be sold through the Kendra without using this software.
• Follow product storage, inventory, payment and other operational requirements in the current agreement.
• Review the latest distributor payment terms and stock requirements. Do not assume every Kendra receives an unconditional 30-day credit period.
• Confirm the current rules for damaged or expired stock and returns directly with PMBI or the authorised distributor before including a reimbursement amount in financial forecasts.

A Kendra’s earnings depend on product sales, operating costs, stock management and the terms of the scheme. A margin or incentive is not the same as net profit: rent, staff costs, utilities, compliance, inventory and other expenses must be accounted for.

PMBI’s guidelines provide a retail operating margin of 20% on the MRP of each drug, excluding taxes. Eligible Kendra operators may also receive incentives under the applicable scheme, subject to eligibility, software linkage and stock requirements. Additional one-time financial assistance of up to Rs. 2 lakh may be available to eligible applicants in specified categories and regions. This assistance is subject to scheme conditions and reimbursement against eligible actual expenditure supported by original bills.

Monthly incentive percentages and caps have changed over time, and official PMBI materials reviewed for this draft do not display a fully consistent current figure. For that reason, this article does not state a monthly incentive amount as guaranteed. Applicants should verify the latest incentive circular and stock mandate on the official PMBI/Janaushadhi website before preparing a business plan.

Do not estimate monthly income by adding the retail margin to the maximum possible incentive. Actual results depend on sales, product mix, eligible purchases, stock compliance and costs.

There is no single total setup cost that applies to every Kendra. The amount depends on the location, rent or deposit, fit-out, storage and shelving, computer and printer, internet, staffing, licences, opening inventory and working capital. The application fee is one cost, but it is only a small part of the overall budget.

Prepare a monthly cash-flow estimate using conservative sales assumptions. Keep a contingency for slow initial sales, stock replenishment and rent or salary payments. Treat any incentive as conditional income, not as money that is certain to arrive at launch.

If you are a medical professional planning to establish or expand your clinic, you can explore a Doctor Loan from Bajaj Finance to fund eligible professional expenses, such as clinic interiors, medical equipment and working capital, subject to the applicable loan terms and eligibility criteria. Review the interest rate, fees and repayment obligations before applying.

Note: A Doctor Loan is intended for eligible medical professionals and their professional requirements. Do not assume that expenses related to opening or operating a pharmacy or Jan Aushadhi Kendra qualify. Confirm the permitted end use with Bajaj Finance before applying.

. Check your doctor loan eligibility to explore financial support for your training and related educational needs.

• Maintaining stock: stock availability and the required product range need regular monitoring.
• Managing cash flow: rent, wages, utilities and inventory costs continue even when sales fluctuate.
• Following scheme requirements: licences, software billing, stock conditions and agreements must be maintained.
• Building local awareness: customers may need clear information about product availability and listed prices.
• Tracking policy changes: application rules, incentives and distributor terms may be revised, so check official notices regularly.

Opening a Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra requires more than submitting an application. Applicants should confirm their eligibility, secure suitable premises, arrange a registered pharmacist, prepare the correct documents and understand the scheme’s operating conditions. The application fee, margins and incentives should be checked against the latest official PMBI guidance before making financial commitments.

If financing is needed for eligible professional expenses, review the relevant terms and repayment obligations before borrowing. A realistic budget and a clear understanding of the official requirements can help applicants plan the proposed Kendra responsibly.