The Government on Monday said Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has made impressive strides, achieving sales of generic drugs worth Rs 1,000 crore in October, significantly earlier than the previous year's milestone in December.

The growth in Jan Aushadhi Kendras is remarkable as well, expanding from just 80 in 2014 to over 14,000 today, ensuring that affordable medicines are accessible across nearly all districts in India, said a statement here.

This initiative not only enhances healthcare affordability but also promotes the use of generic medicines among the public, it said.

There will be 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras in the country in the next two years, said the statement.

The product basket of PMBJP comprises 2,047 medicines and 300 surgical devices covering all major therapeutic groups such as cardiovascular, anti-cancers, Anti-diabetics, anti-infectives, anti-allergic, gastro-intestinal medicines and nutraceuticals, etc.

Almost one million people are visiting these popular people-friendly Kendras daily, according to the statement here.

“This substantial growth is a testament to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India’s (PMBI) commitment to making healthcare accessible and affordable for all by reducing out of pocket expenditure. Notably few days ago, PMBI had sold medicines worth Rs. 200 crore in one single month of September,” as per the statement.

The PMBJP initiative continues to empower communities, ensuring that quality healthcare is within reach for every citizen.

The record-breaking sales not only highlight the success of the program but also it plays a vital role in promoting health equity in the country.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras have proved to be a boon for patients across the country, as thousands of patients are buying medicines at reasonably low prices and making a savings up to 60 per cent on the range of medicines.