Jan Aushadhi vs Branded Medicines

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) sells the same molecules that branded Indian medicines do — at a fraction of the retail price. Every Jan Aushadhi SKU is procured from WHO-GMP certified manufacturers and tested at NABL-accredited labs for bioequivalence, so the dose, absorption, and clinical effect match the brand. For long-term chronic therapy (diabetes, hypertension, thyroid, lipid control), the cumulative savings are substantial.

Price comparison: top chronic medicines

Prices are indicative MRPs from public NPPA and PMBJP price lists as of 2026. Always confirm at your local Jan Aushadhi Kendra.

Are Jan Aushadhi generics safe?

Yes. Indian law requires every generic — branded or unbranded — to contain exactly the same active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), in the same strength and dosage form, as the originator brand. PMBJP adds two extra checks: WHO-GMP manufacturer certification and lot- level bioequivalence testing at NABL labs before stocking. Clinical equivalence is the regulatory baseline, not a marketing claim.

How to switch safely

1. Note your current brand, strength, and dosage form (tablet, SR, XR).
2. Look up the salt composition on InfoMyMed and find the Jan Aushadhi equivalent.
3. Match the strength exactly — do not split an SR tablet to match a plain one.
4. Discuss the swap with your prescriber, especially for narrow-therapeutic-index drugs (warfarin, levothyroxine, digoxin).
5. Locate the nearest Kendra on the official PMBJP store locator and confirm stock before travelling.

When NOT to switch

A handful of formulations — extended-release insulins, inhaled steroids, biologics, and certain anti-epileptics — should only be switched under medical supervision because small absorption differences can matter clinically. For most oral generics (metformin, atorvastatin, amlodipine, telmisartan), the swap is straightforward.

Reviewed per InfoMyMed Editorial Standards. This guide is informational, not a substitute for medical advice.