The Centre expects to open 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country by March 31, 2027. Presently, there are 15,000 such shops that sell less-expensive medicines and medical devices, it added.

The scheme to sell affordable generic drugs was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the apex Chemicals & Fertilizers Ministry in 2008. It has since grown to contain a product basket of 2047 drugs and 300 surgical equipment, sold 50 per cent to 80 per cent cheaper than branded medicines, a note from the Ministry said. The note added that the target of opening 15,000 Kendras by March 2025 had been achieved by January 31, 2025.

About 29 therapeutic groups including antibiotics and anti-infectives, anti-cancer, anti-diabetics, cardiovascular, analgesics and antipyretic, anti-allergic, gastro-intestinal agents, vitamins and minerals, food supplements/nutraceuticals, topical medicines etc have been covered by the scheme. The medical device segment included surgical equipment and consumables like masks, orthopaedic rehabilitation products, surgical dressings, syringes and needles, sanitary napkins, sutures, diapers, rubber gloves, oximeters, rapid antigen test kits, etc., the note said.

In the financial year 2023-24, the initiative clocked sales of ₹1,470 crore, leading to savings of approximately ₹7,350 crore to citizens, the note said. In the current financial year, 2024-25, the initiative has recorded sales of ₹1,760 crore up to February 28, 2025, it added.

In the last decade, the number of Kendras have increased 180 times and sales have increased more than 200 times, it said. It pegged savings at about ₹30,000 crore for the citizens, over the last 10 years. This information was shared by the apex ministry, as the Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare, JP Nadda, on Saturday, flagged off a week-long celebration ahead of Jan Aushadhi Diwas.