8th Janaushadhi Diwas marked at Bharat Mandapam; PMBJP network crosses 18,000 Kendras
The 8th Janaushadhi Diwas was observed on 7 March 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, where Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and MoS Anupriya Patel gave awards to 13 Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
Summary
The 8th Janaushadhi Diwas was observed at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 7 March 2026, ending Janaushadhi Saptah 2026, run by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals. Union Health and Chemicals & Fertilizers Minister J.P. Nadda and Minister of State Anupriya Patel presented awards to 13 Jan Aushadhi Kendras; events were held at 25 locations. During the Saptah, health camps were held from 1 to 5 March at over 250 locations. According to a PIB backgrounder, the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) now has over 18,000 Kendras selling generic medicines 50â80% cheaper than branded ones; its basket has 2,110 medicines and 315 surgical items, and the target is 25,000 Kendras by March 2027 through a franchise model. Medicines are bought only from WHO-GMP compliant makers and every batch is tested at NABL-accredited labs. Operators get a 20% trade margin; women, SC/ST, Divyangjan and veterans get special incentives up to ₹2 lakh. Suvidha sanitary napkins at ₹1 a pad and the Jan Aushadhi Sugam app were both launched in 2019.
Key facts
- Date and place
- 7 March 2026, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
- Edition
- 8th Janaushadhi Diwas; closes Janaushadhi Saptah 2026
- Implementing agency
- PMBI, Department of Pharmaceuticals
- Kendras
- Over 18,000; target 25,000 by March 2027
- Price
- 50â80% lower than branded medicines
- Basket
- 2,110 medicines, 315 surgical items
- Quality
- WHO-GMP suppliers; NABL-accredited batch testing
- Incentives
- 20% trade margin; special incentive up to ₹2 lakh for women, SC/ST, Divyangjan, veterans
- Since 2019
- Suvidha napkins at ₹1; Jan Aushadhi Sugam app
Practice MCQs 5 questions
Janaushadhi Diwas, whose 8th edition was observed in 2026, falls on which date?
Show answer
Correct answer: B â 7 March
The 8th Janaushadhi Diwas was observed on 7 March 2026, closing Janaushadhi Saptah 2026.
Which body implements the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)?
Show answer
Correct answer: A â Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI)
PMBI, under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, runs PMBJP and organised Janaushadhi Saptah 2026.
What target has the government set for the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras by March 2027?
Show answer
Correct answer: C â 25,000
Over 18,000 Kendras are open; the target is 25,000 by March 2027 through a franchise-based model.
Janaushadhi Suvidha oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins are sold at what price per pad?
Show answer
Correct answer: B â ₹1
Suvidha napkins, introduced in 2019, are priced at ₹1 per pad.
Consider the following statements about the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana: 1. Medicines are procured only from manufacturers compliant with WHO Good Manufacturing Practices, and each batch is tested at NABL-accredited laboratories. 2. Kendra operators receive a trade margin of 20% on the MRP of each drug (excluding taxes). Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C â Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the PIB backgrounder: WHO-GMP sourcing with NABL batch testing, and a 20% trade margin for operators.