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The Indian government is broadening the reach of its affordable medicines initiative, the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), by adding the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and 116 new drugs to the list available at Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country. This move aims to provide timely access to essential medicines and vaccines, particularly as the nationwide HPV vaccination drive for girls aged 9 to 14 remains stalled due to insufficient vaccine stocks.
The newly included HPV quadrivalent vaccine is effective against four types of HPV—6, 11, 16, and 18—which are known to cause cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and anal cancers. The vaccine will be available at subsidised rates through Jan Aushadhi outlets, though officials caution that the price may not be steeply discounted compared to the private market, where a single dose currently costs around Rs 4,000.
The inclusion of the HPV vaccine is part of a larger effort to enhance public health access as the government awaits clarity on vaccine supply from the Serum Institute of India (SII), the country’s only licensed manufacturer. “Without them, we cannot decide timelines or go ahead,” a senior official told News18. The government is currently in the process of tendering for marketing the HPV vaccine under the Jan Aushadhi scheme.
In addition to the HPV vaccine, the new list features medicines for heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy, and various cancers. Notable additions include Ibrutinib for blood cancer and Abiraterone Acetate for prostate and blood cancers, both of which are currently expensive for middle- and lower-income patients. With their inclusion under the scheme, the prices of these generic versions are expected to drop by at least 50 per cent.
The Jan Aushadhi scheme, which offers generic drugs at 50–90 per cent lower prices than branded counterparts, already serves over 10 lakh people, resulting in cumulative savings of Rs 30,000 crore. The new medicines are expected to be available at 16,500 Jan Aushadhi Kendras nationwide by September, following a procurement process that typically takes three to six months.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information from News18 and the latest available government updates as of June 2025. The availability and pricing of the HPV vaccine and new medicines may vary depending on procurement, supply, and local implementation. Readers are advised to verify details with official sources or their nearest Jan Aushadhi Kendra. The government’s plans and timelines are subject to change based on vaccine availability and administrative decisions.
