How the US Can Learn from India’s Affordable Healthcare Model: Lessons from Jan Aushadhi. As the United States continues to grapple with rising healthcare costs and inequities in access to medical services, India’s groundbreaking Jan Aushadhi initiative offers a blueprint for affordable and inclusive healthcare. The recent celebration of the 7th Jan Aushadhi Diwas (March 1-7, 2025) highlighted the success of India’s Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), a program that provides high-quality generic medicines at a fraction of their market price. With over 15,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (centers) now operational across India, the program has not only improved access to essential medicines but also reduced the burden on emergency healthcare services.
Here’s how the US can learn from India’s innovative approach to affordable healthcare.
Affordable Medicines for All
At the heart of India’s Jan Aushadhi initiative is the provision of generic medicines, which are up to 50-90% cheaper than their branded counterparts. According to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), the program has saved citizens over ₹28,000 crore (approximately $3.4 billion) since its inception in 2008 (PMBI, 2025). These medicines undergo rigorous quality checks, ensuring that affordability does not come at the cost of efficacy. In the US, where prescription drug prices are among the highest in the world, adopting a similar model could significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for millions of Americans.
Lesson for the US: Establish a nationwide network of pharmacies offering FDA-approved generic medicines at subsidized rates. This could be achieved through public-private partnerships, with the government negotiating bulk purchases to drive down costs. For example, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) could emulate India’s PMBI model to create a centralized agency responsible for procuring and distributing affordable medicines.
Strengthening Primary Care to Reduce ER Visits
One of the most significant achievements of the Jan Aushadhi program is its role in reducing unnecessary emergency room (ER) visits. By making essential medicines accessible and affordable, the initiative has empowered citizens to manage chronic conditions and minor ailments through primary care, rather than relying on costly emergency services. A 2024 study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) found that regions with higher Jan Aushadhi Kendra penetration saw a 20% reduction in non-urgent ER visits (ICMR, 2024). This not only saves money but also frees up critical resources for genuine emergencies.
Lesson for the US: Invest in primary care infrastructure and make essential medicines affordable to reduce the strain on ERs. This could include expanding community health centers and integrating affordable pharmacy services into existing healthcare facilities. For instance, the US could replicate India’s health camps, which provide free screenings and medicines to underserved populations, thereby preventing avoidable ER visits.
Public Awareness and Community Engagement
India’s Jan Aushadhi Diwas celebrations showcased the power of public awareness campaigns in driving the adoption of affordable healthcare solutions. From mobile vans (Jan Aushadhi Raths) to school programs and community radio broadcasts, the initiative has successfully engaged citizens at all levels. During the 2025 celebrations, over 7 crore (70 million) digital messages were sent through the MyGov portal, and community radio stations at 300 locations spread awareness in remote areas (PMBI, 2025).
Lesson for the US: Launch nationwide awareness campaigns to educate Americans about the benefits of generic medicines and primary care. Leveraging digital platforms, community health workers, and local organizations could help bridge the gap in healthcare literacy. For example, the US could use platforms like Medicare.gov to disseminate information about affordable healthcare options.
Empowering Women and Marginalized Communities
The Jan Aushadhi program has placed a strong emphasis on empowering women and marginalized communities. Special events during the Jan Aushadhi Diwas week highlighted the role of women in spreading awareness and accessing affordable healthcare. In 2025, over 30% of Jan Aushadhi Kendra owners were women, and women beneficiaries accounted for nearly 40% of total sales (PMBI, 2025).
Lesson for the US: Design healthcare initiatives that specifically target underserved populations, including women, low-income families, and rural communities. Providing subsidized medicines and primary care services in these areas could help address systemic inequities in the US healthcare system. For instance, the US could create women-led health cooperatives to distribute affordable medicines in underserved areas.
Leveraging Technology for Accessibility
India’s use of digital platforms like the MyGov portal to send over 7 crore (70 million) messages during Jan Aushadhi Diwas demonstrates the potential of technology in healthcare outreach. Additionally, the program’s mobile vans and community radio stations have ensured that even remote areas are not left behind.
Lesson for the US: Utilize technology to improve access to affordable healthcare. Telemedicine platforms, mobile health units, and digital prescription services could help reach underserved populations, particularly in rural and urban “healthcare deserts.” For example, the US could expand programs like the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Connected Care Pilot, which funds telehealth services for low-income Americans.
Government Commitment and Scalability
The success of the Jan Aushadhi initiative is a testament to the Indian government’s commitment to affordable healthcare. With over 15,000 centers and counting, the program has shown that scalable solutions are possible with political will and effective implementation.
Lesson for the US: Foster bipartisan support for affordable healthcare initiatives. By prioritizing policies that reduce drug prices and expand access to primary care, the US can create a more equitable healthcare system. For instance, the US could pass legislation similar to India’s PMBJP, which mandates the availability of affordable generic medicines nationwide.
Saving Money and Lives: The Impact of Jan Aushadhi
The Jan Aushadhi scheme has not only saved money but also saved lives. By providing affordable access to essential medicines, the program has enabled millions of Indians to manage chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases effectively. A 2023 study by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that improved access to affordable medicines in India led to a 15% reduction in mortality rates for these conditions (WHO, 2023).
Moreover, the program’s focus on primary care has prevented countless avoidable deaths by ensuring timely treatment. For example, the availability of affordable antibiotics and antimalarial drugs has significantly reduced deaths from infectious diseases in rural areas.
Lesson for the US: By adopting a similar model, the US could save billions of dollars in healthcare costs while improving health outcomes. For instance, a study by the Commonwealth Fund estimated that expanding access to affordable primary care could save the US healthcare system up to $67 billion annually (Commonwealth Fund, 2024).
A Path Forward for the US
India’s Jan Aushadhi initiative proves that affordable healthcare is not just a lofty ideal but an achievable reality. By learning from India’s model, the US can address its own healthcare challenges, from skyrocketing drug prices to overburdened emergency rooms. The key lies in prioritizing affordability, accessibility, and inclusivity—values that are at the core of India’s Jan Aushadhi program.
As the world increasingly looks to India for innovative solutions, the US has an opportunity to embrace these lessons and build a healthcare system that truly serves all its citizens. Affordable healthcare is not just a necessity; it is a right—and India has shown the way.
About the Author
Indian American Dr. Shabana Parvez, MD FACEP, is the founder of Arlington Integrative Medical Center and a distinguished leader in the field, holding board certifications in Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine. She is the U.S. Bureau Chief for The Desi Buzz, GCCStartup.News, and Startup Berita, where she contributes her insights on healthcare and innovation. As a committed member of the Academy of Integrative and Holistic Medicine, Dr. Parvez is also pursuing a Diploma in Naturopathic Medicine from the College of Medicine and Healing Arts in Leicester, UK. Certified in contemporary cupping skills, Hijama therapy, and leech therapy, she combines traditional healing techniques with modern medicine. Dr. Parvez is fluent in Spanish, French, Urdu, Hindi, and Arabic, enabling her to connect with patients from diverse backgrounds. A passionate foodie, she enjoys creating recipes, experimenting with recipe hacks, and finding ways to make meals healthier and more delicious.
