The Department of Pharmaceuticals has reaffirmed that essential medicines are being made consistently available across the country, including in Mumbai, through a combination of digital monitoring and targeted welfare schemes.
The Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), which runs the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya JanaushadhiPariyojna (PMBJP), tracks stock levels at Jan Aushadhi Kendrasnationwide using a technology-driven supply chain system that forecasts demand and triggers timely restocking.
Separately, the Health Ministry’s Free Drugs Service Initiative, operating under the National Health Mission, gives states funding to supply medicines free of cost at public hospitals and health centres, easing the financial burden on patients.
As of June 30, 2026, India had 20,149 functioning Jan AushadhiKendras, with 763 in Maharashtra and 105 in Mumbai alone — up from just 73 three years earlier. The scheme’s catalogue now spans over 2,100 medicines and 315 medical devices and consumables across major treatment categories, drawing an estimated 1.5 million customers daily nationwide.
To keep shelves stocked, authorities incentivize outlets to carry 200 high-demand medicines and closely track 400 fast-moving products through a network of five warehouses and 42 distributors. Officials say no major shortages or supply disruptions have surfaced in Mumbai, crediting ongoing monitoring and quick corrective action.
The update was shared by Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Anupriya Patel, in a written Lok Sabha reply.
Written By: Sayan Das
Graphics by: Pramit Hazra
