New Delhi, June 18 (APAC Media): India’s pharma sector has witnessed remarkable growth over the past 12 years.
Efforts have been made to improve affordable healthcare, strengthen domestic manufacturing and promote self-reliance.
According to the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, several healthcare initiatives and industry reforms have helped expand access to medicines.
These measures have also attracted investments, created jobs and strengthened India’s position as the “Pharmacy of the World.”
🔹 12 Years of Transformative Growth in Pharmaceuticals Sector Driving Affordable Healthcare and #AtmanirbharBharat
🔹 From 84 to 19,200+ #JanAushadhi Kendras Bringing Affordable Medicines to Every Corner of India
🔹 #NorthEast Witnesses remarkable Expansion from 1 Jan Aushadhi… pic.twitter.com/Oc2GWTEhKt
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Jan Aushadhi Network Expands Across India
One of the biggest achievements has been the expansion of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).
The number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras has increased from around 84 in 2014 to more than 19,200 in 2026.
The scheme provides quality generic medicines at affordable prices and has helped citizens save over ₹40,000 crore on healthcare expenses.
The programme has also expanded rapidly in remote regions. In the North Eastern states, the number of Kendras has grown from just one in 2014 to 417 in 2026.
Uttar Pradesh leads the country with 4,042 Jan Aushadhi Kendras. Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are among the other top states in terms of network size.
Several regions have also recorded strong growth. New Delhi now has 645 Kendras compared to four in 2014, while Jammu and Kashmir has seen the number rise from six to 358.
PLI Schemes Drive Investment and Employment
To strengthen domestic manufacturing, the government launched Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for pharmaceuticals and medical devices in 2020-21.
The pharmaceutical PLI scheme has attracted investments of ₹42,694.89 crore. It has generated cumulative sales worth ₹3.43 lakh crore and created employment for more than 1.13 lakh people.
The scheme supports the production of high-value medicines, including biopharmaceuticals and complex generic drugs.
It aims to reduce import dependence and strengthen India’s pharmaceutical capabilities.
Medical Devices Sector Records Strong Growth
The PLI scheme for medical devices has also delivered significant results.
The programme has attracted investments worth ₹1,136.23 crore and generated sales of ₹29,402.93 crore. It has created employment opportunities for 6,822 people.
The initiative is aimed at promoting domestic production of critical medical devices and reducing reliance on imports.
Bulk Drug Parks and Medical Device Parks Development
To strengthen the pharmaceutical supply chain, the government is setting up bulk drug parks in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh.
These parks are expected to provide common infrastructure and improve manufacturing efficiency.
Similarly, medical device parks are being developed in Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
The facilities are expected to reduce production costs and strengthen India’s medical devices ecosystem.
Push for Innovation and Biotechnology
The Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Promotion and Development Scheme has supported policy research and industry engagement.
Under the scheme, 47 stakeholder events and 12 sectoral studies have been conducted.
In another major initiative, the Union Budget 2025-26 announced Biopharma SHAKTI with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore over five years.
The programme aims to strengthen India’s biopharmaceutical sector and support the development of biologics and biosimilars.
Supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat
Officials said these initiatives are helping India build a globally competitive pharmaceutical ecosystem while ensuring affordable healthcare for citizens.
The sector has recorded strong growth over the past decade. Today, India has more than 19,200 Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
PLI schemes have attracted investments of nearly ₹43,831 crore and created over 1.19 lakh jobs.
As India moves towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, the pharmaceutical industry is expected to remain a key driver of innovation, manufacturing and healthcare delivery.
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