Archive · 19 Dec 2025
India Revises Jan Aushadhi Kendra Rules
The Indian government has changed the rules for opening stores that sell affordable generic medicines.
Now, new stores must be at least 500 meters away from existing ones in big cities.
This is to help the stores make enough money while still providing cheap medicines to people.
There are already over 17,000 such stores, and the government wants to open 25,000 more by 2027.
The new rule applies to cities with more than one million people, while in smaller towns and rural areas, the distance is one kilometer.
The rule doesn't apply to stores in government hospitals and clinics.
This change was made because some store owners complained that new stores opening too close to them were hurting their business.
India has revised rules for opening Jan Aushadhi Kendras, mandating a minimum distance of 500 meters between stores in major urban areas.
The decision aims to balance the scheme’s rapid expansion with the financial health of store owners, as the previous 'zero-distance' policy led to reduced earnings for existing stores.
Currently, there are over 17,610 Jan Aushadhi Kendras operational across India, providing nearly 2,047 generic medicines and 300 surgical items at prices 50-90% below their branded alternatives.
The new norms will be strictly enforced in seven metropolitan cities and 46 other cities with populations exceeding one million, with a one-kilometer gap in other towns and rural areas.
The rule does not apply to government hospitals and clinics, ensuring patients have easy access to medicines.
- Who
- Government of India, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK) owners
- What
- Revision of rules for opening Jan Aushadhi Kendras, mandating a minimum distance of 500 meters between stores in major urban areas
- When
- The decision was made in November, replacing guidelines issued in September
- Where
- Applicable in seven metropolitan cities and 46 other cities with populations exceeding one million, with a one-kilometer gap in other towns and rural areas
- Why
- To balance the scheme’s rapid expansion with the financial health of store owners, as the previous 'zero-distance' policy led to reduced earnings for existing stores
- Scheme Name
- Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)
- Minimum Distance in Urban Areas
- 500 meters
- Minimum Distance in Rural Areas
- 1 kilometer
- Number of Operational Kendras
- 17,610
- Target Number of Kendras by 2027
- 25,000
- Number of Generic Medicines Available
- 2,047
- Number of Surgical Items Available
- 300
- Price Reduction Compared to Branded Alternatives
- 50-90%