Janaushadhi Saptah 2026 begins with health check-up camps across 250 locations

Janaushadhi Saptah 2026, an outreach initiative to create awareness about affordable and quality generic medicines, commenced with health check-up camps across the country, marking the beginning of week-long celebrations leading up to the 8th Janaushadhi Diwas on 7 March. The camps are being organised by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau (PMBI), Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, from 1 to 5 March 2026 at more than 250 locations nationwide.

In line with this year’s theme, “जन औषधि सस्ती भी, भरोसेमंद भी, सेहत की बात, बचत के साथ,” on-site diagnostic services are being provided at the camps and the general public is being engaged about affordable and quality generic medicines available at Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJAK) set up under the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana.

On Day 1, health camps were conducted at about 50 locations across the country, including Subhash Nagar and Ashok Vihar in Delhi, Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh, Chandrapura in Jharkhand, Ludhiana in Punjab, Hubballi-Dharwad and Dakshina Kannada in Karnataka, Pune in Maharashtra, Chennai and Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Jaipur, Dehradun and Bulandshahr, among others. An average of 100 people participated in each camp and received medical consultation and medicines. Focus was given to women and senior citizens, who formed a substantial part of participants.

The camps provided general health check-ups and services including blood tests, blood pressure and thyroid tests. Doctor consultations covered general medicine, infections, chronic conditions, paediatric care and services such as nephrology and diabetology in several locations. Distribution of Janaushadhi medicines was carried out and services including physiotherapy consultation, eye check-ups and child health initiatives were organised at several centres.

The camps saw participation from Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assemblies, medical professionals and local representatives, who appreciated the initiative and encouraged the public to adopt generic medicines under the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).

Under PMBJP, more than 18,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) are operating across the country. The Government has set a target of expanding the network to 25,000 Kendras by 31 March 2027.

The celebrations will continue through 7 March with outreach programmes designed to engage healthcare professionals and the general public. The public is encouraged to use the “Jan Aushadhi Sugam” mobile application to locate the nearest Kendra and access medicines.