Under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), the government is aggressively expanding the network of Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices. As of December 31, 2025, there are 17,990 functional JAKs across the country. The government has set an ambitious target to increase this number to 25,000 by March 2027, ensuring wider reach in remote areas including the Union Territory of Ladakh.
17,990 JAKs are currently open and functional nationwide, while 3,135 have been closed due to various reasons.
The government aims to operationalize 25,000 JAKs by March 2027 to boost healthcare accessibility.
A one-time incentive of ₹2 Lakh is provided for JAKs in Himalayan areas, North-East states, and Aspirational Districts.
200 pharmaceutical manufacturers are associated with PMBI to supply medicines, surgicals, and nutraceuticals.
The expansion places special emphasis on difficult terrains like Ladakh to ensuring legitimate medical access.
- Ladakh Status: Currently, 3 JAKs are functional in the Union Territory of Ladakh. Online applications are open for all districts to set up more kendras.
- Top Performing State: Uttar Pradesh leads with 3,805 functional JAKs, followed by Kerala with 1,714.
- Quality Control: Strict quality standards are maintained. Recently, two firms—M/s ANG Lifescience India Limited and M/s Scientific Brain Nutraceutical Private Limited—were blacklisted for non-compliance.
This information was provided by the Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. He highlighted that the franchise model allows entrepreneurs to operate these kendras, with support mechanisms in place from the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) to help revive low-performing units.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB) Date: 06 FEB 2026
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