Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana and the perception of medical students towards generic medicines in North Karnataka: a cross-sectional study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20261833Keywords:
Janaushadhi, Generic medicines, Pharmacy, Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi PariyojanaAbstract
Background: Rising healthcare costs are a big concern in a populous nation like India. In April 2008, the Indian government introduced the Janaushadhi initiative, which offers inexpensive generic medications, in an effort to curb rising health costs. In Indian homes, a significant amount of out-of-pocket costs are related to medications. This study aims to assess the perception regarding Janaushadhi program among medical students in Karnataka. Access to medicines, affordability, practical implementation of the project was ascertained through this study. Medical students who are the doctors of the future, their preference for branded or generic medicines were ascertained in this study.
Methods: A cross-sectional study, done among 157 Medical Students of Vijayapura District from January to February 2026. The participants were selected using convenience sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, that assessed the perception on Janaushadhi Program, which was distributed as Google form.
Results: The participants were from the age group of 17 years to 26 years and were MBBS medical students from 1st year. The majority of the participants were females 95 (60.5%), and males 62 (39.5%). 77.1% were aware about generic medicines, 65.6% understood the difference between generic and branded medicines. 128 (81.5%) thought that Jan Aushadhi medicine stores should be made available in every hospital.
Conclusions: The majority of medical students who participated in this study 128 (81.5%) thought that generic medicines were less costly than branded medicines. 29 (18.5%) thought that generic medicines were not cheaper than branded medicines. There is association between gender and knowledge on Janaushadhi questions. Further studies should be done in this field and medical students should be given information regarding generic medicines.
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