What is Jan Aushadhi Scheme

Rising healthcare cost in India has made it difficult for the poor section of the society to avail even basic health services. Keeping this in mind, Jan Aushadhi Scheme was launched to ensure medicines can be availed by anyone.

• Objective: To offer quality generic medicines at 50% discount rate which otherwise are sold at a very high price by companies. Total 504 medicines would be sold.
• Benefits: Generic medicines would be sold at an affordable rate (50% less than the branded ones) from government authorized stores called "Jan Aushadhi Stores".
• How to buy these low cost medicines: You need to ask chemist for Jan Aushadhi brand medicines. Make sure to check all the drugs, packagings, equipments etc. bearing Jan Aushadhi logo and text. 
• Where to buy cheap medicines from: Jan Aushadhi stores would be opened in all the states in the premises of hospitals, NGOs, charitable societies and others. They'll also be sold by authorized individuals by the state government. Currently there are over 100 JAS
• From where will government get these medicines: Government will procure these medicines in large quantity from private companies and sell it on the brand name "Jan Aushadhi".
• Quality of generic medicines: Despite of being priced low, these generics are very good in quality.
• What types of medicines will be sold: Most common drugs would be available for health conditions such as pain, fever, heart problems, diabetes and others.

For more information on Jan Aushadhi Stores, you can call on toll free number 1800-180-8080

Basic information on generic medicines

Also called as generics, these are unbranded drugs sold at a very low price compared to the branded medicines manufactured and sold by private companies.

Difference in pricing of generic drug Vs. branded

Let's take an example of the most common medicine we all know – Paracetamol 500mg tablet. If you buy one strip (10 tablets) from the local medicine store, you will have to pay around Rs.10-15. Whereas the same drug in JAS would be sold at just INR 3.02.

Precautions to be taken by the user: Always consult doctor before taking medicines.