Diabetes medicines at Rs 3 to sanitary pads at Rs 1, Jan Aushadhi scheme reshaping Odisha’s health access

In Odisha, the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi scheme is making a remarkable impact on lives by offering affordable, quality medicines and health products. With diabetes medicines available for as low as Rs 3 and sanitary pads at just Rs 1, the scheme is not only easing the financial burden on families but also encouraging healthier lifestyles and better hygiene practices.

Jan Aushadhi Scheme: Affordable Medicines

Medicines available at Jan Aushadhi Kendras are priced 50% to 90% lower than their branded counterparts. For instance, a cancer medication that typically costs around Rs 6,500 in the open market is available for approximately Rs 800 at these centers. Such significant cost reductions have led to substantial savings for patients across the country.

“You just need to pay Rs 1 for one pad. Otherwise, this particular pad is being sold at Rs 40-50 in the market. Likewise, diabetes medicines that cost no less than Rs 100 are available for Rs 35, Rs 100 gas medicines are available for just Rs 12. Likewise, calcium and other vitamin tablets that are priced at around Rs 120-130 in the market are available for as low as Rs 8 at Jan Aushadhi Kendras,” a beneficiary in Bhubaneswar said.

Patients, who once struggled to afford daily medications, now have access to essential drugs at a fraction of the market cost at these Jan Aushadhi Kendras across Odisha. For chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension, which require lifelong treatment, this affordability ensures uninterrupted care and improved health outcomes.

Silent Revolution In Odisha’s Healthcare

The introduction of Rs 1 sanitary pads is also empowering women and young girls in rural and semi-urban areas. Many of them had to rely on unsafe alternatives due to high costs. Now, with access to low-cost sanitary products, menstrual hygiene has significantly improved, reducing the risk of infections and school absenteeism among girls.

This transformation goes beyond economics—it is a shift towards dignity, health, and empowerment. Jan Aushadhi is not just a scheme, it’s a silent revolution reshaping healthcare access in Odisha, one affordable medicine and hygiene product at a time.

Reaction of Beneficiaries & Concerns in Odisha:

“Doctors do not often prescribe medicines from Jan Aushadhi Kendras. But, I have experienced that quality medicines from these Kendras have helped me. So, doctors should prescribe medicines from here instead of private pharma companies,” a beneficiary state.

A Jan Aushadhi Kendra owner said, “I have around 1468 different kinds of medicines and other 300 varieties of consumer items. I cater to all sectors including diabetes, cardiac, blood pressure, and even cancer. The demand among beneficiaries is high and we are not able to supply.”

When contacted, Capital Hospital, Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Dhananjay Das said, “The medicines reach the kendras after quality checking by the GOI. Compositions of the medicines are same, except for the trade name available in the market.”