## Generic Medicines for Lifestyle Diseases Lead Sales at India’s Janaushadhi Kendras
India’s government-run generic pharmacies, known as Janaushadhi Kendras, are seeing a surge in sales of medicines for common lifestyle diseases like hypertension and type 2 diabetes. This trend highlights the increasing demand for affordable healthcare solutions across the country.
According to an official from the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), Telmisartan tablets for high blood pressure are consistently a top seller, with an average monthly sales figure of approximately 1.41 million strips. Similarly, Atorvastatin 10 mg tablets, used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, average 1.07 million strips sold monthly.
Acidity management is another significant area, with around 1.24 million strips of the fixed-dose combination of pantoprazole and domperidone, popularly known as Pan-D, sold every month. The anti-diabetic combination drug Glimepiride 2 mg + Metformin Hydrochloride 500 mg (sustained release) also enjoys substantial popularity, with monthly sales reaching 829,000 strips. Additionally, 400,000 strips of amlodipine and atenolol for hypertension and angina prevention are sold every month.
Rising Demand for Affordable Healthcare
Ravi Dadhich, CEO of the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), which oversees the PMBJP, explains the high sales figures: “Drugs used for managing gastrointestinal and cardiovascular diseases, painkillers, and anti-diabetic medicines have recorded the maximum average sales this year in our kendras across the country.” He also emphasizes the success of Janaushadhi Suvidha, a line of sanitary napkins, which is among the top-selling products.
The PMBJP was established with the goal of providing quality generic medicines at affordable rates to all citizens. The program has been successful in achieving this objective, with nearly 1 million people visiting these kendras daily. As of September 30th, 2023, there were 13,822 Janaushadhi kendras operating across the country. The government aims to increase this number to 25,000 by 2026, ensuring wider accessibility of affordable healthcare.
“PMBJP is successful because we studied what exactly our customer wants,” Dadhich says. “We made quality drugs available round the clock in our stores, ensuring product diversity, quality assurance, and price affordability for customers.”
Significant Growth and Impact
The PMBJP’s product basket encompasses over 2,047 medicines and 300 surgical devices, covering various therapeutic areas including cardiovascular, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-infective, anti-allergic, gastrointestinal, and nutraceuticals. These generic medicines are priced significantly lower than their branded counterparts, offering a 50-90% cost reduction for patients.
The program has witnessed a remarkable expansion in the past decade. From a mere 80 kendras in 2014, the number has skyrocketed to over 14,000, covering almost all districts in the country. This growth is a testament to the program’s effectiveness in improving healthcare access and affordability for millions of Indians. PMBJP’s sales crossed 1,000 crore in October 2023, a significant milestone indicating the program’s continuing momentum.
The government’s commitment to maintaining a minimum stock of the 200 most-used drugs at Janaushadhi kendras further underscores its dedication to making affordable healthcare a reality for all Indians. The success of the PMBJP is not only reflected in its sales figures but also in the positive impact it has had on the lives of countless individuals by providing access to essential medicines at affordable prices.
