Archive · 3 Sep 2026
West Bengal Has More Than 1,000 Jan Aushadhi Centres
Jan Aushadhi centres sell many medicines at lower prices.
Amit Malviya said West Bengal now has 1,014 of these centres.
North 24-Parganas has the most, with 203 centres.
Kolkata has 162, while Hooghly and Howrah each have 109.
The Centre plans to add 469 more centres at government hospitals.
This could make medicines easier for patients and families to get.
The report also describes expanded healthcare coverage through Ayushman Bharat.
The coverage includes more hospitals, more treatments, and all people aged 70 and above.
Amit Malviya said 1,014 Jan Aushadhi Kendras were operating across West Bengal as of June 30, 2026.
North 24-Parganas had the most centres at 203, followed by Kolkata with 162.
Hooghly and Howrah each had 109 centres, according to figures cited from the Rajya Sabha.
The Centre plans to open 469 additional Jan Aushadhi Kendras at government hospitals across the state.
Generic medicines are generally priced 50% to 90% below branded alternatives, while expanded healthcare coverage includes more hospitals and treatment packages.
- Who
- BJP leader Amit Malviya cited Centre-provided figures; the Centre plans further expansion, while Suvendu Adhikari described related healthcare coverage.
- What
- West Bengal has 1,014 operational Jan Aushadhi Kendras, with 469 more planned at government hospitals.
- When
- The reported centre count was as of June 30, 2026.
- Where
- Across West Bengal, including North 24-Parganas, Kolkata, Hooghly and Howrah.
- Why
- The initiative is intended to improve access to affordable generic medicines and reduce healthcare costs for families.
- Operational centres
- 1,014 Jan Aushadhi Kendras in West Bengal as of June 30, 2026
- Planned centres
- 469 additional centres at government hospital premises
- Largest district total
- North 24-Parganas: 203 centres
- Kolkata total
- 162 centres
- Medicine price difference
- Generic medicines are generally 50% to 90% cheaper than branded drugs
- Ayushman Bharat coverage
- Around 1.43 crore families, covering nearly six crore people, with annual cashless healthcare coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh
- Hospital network
- 1,240 private and 627 government hospitals in West Bengal; 38,604 empanelled hospitals nationwide
- Treatment packages
- Coverage increased from 1,700 to 1,950 packages