As awareness about preventive healthcare and balanced nutrition grows in India, demand for dietary supplements and nutraceuticals has increased across age groups. However, the high cost of branded nutrition products continues to limit access for many households. To address this gap, the government has expanded the nutraceutical basket under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), offering a range of affordable nutritional supplements through Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
What are nutraceuticals?
Nutraceuticals are food-based products that provide additional health or nutritional benefits beyond basic nutrition. They include protein supplements, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, probiotics and specialised nutritional formulations that help support overall health and well-being.
What does the Jan Aushadhi nutraceutical range include?
The Jan Aushadhi portfolio caters to a wide range of nutritional requirements across different age groups and health conditions. The basket includes:
Protein supplements
Immunity-boosting products
Malt-based nutritional foods
Women’s nutrition products
Diabetes-specific nutrition
Kidney care formulations
All products are manufactured as per prescribed quality standards and are sold at affordable prices through Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
Nutrition for everyday use
For people with busy lifestyles, the scheme offers Jan Aushadhi Protein Bar and Immunity Bar in chocolate flavour. These are designed to provide a convenient source of protein, energy and immunity-supporting nutrients for children, students, working professionals and fitness enthusiasts.
The portfolio also includes 100 per cent Whey Protein Powder and Jan Aushadhi Protein Powder, available in vanilla and kesar pista flavours, to support daily protein intake and muscle recovery.
Products for women
Recognising women’s nutritional needs at different stages of life, PMBJP offers Jan Aushadhi Women Protein Boost. Available in chocolate and vanilla flavours, the product is formulated to support protein intake, energy levels and bone and muscle health. A 250-gram pack is priced at ₹204.66.
Nutrition for people with specific health conditions
The nutraceutical basket also includes products designed for people with medical conditions requiring specialised nutrition.
-Diabetes Care Protein Powder is formulated to supplement the nutritional needs of people living with diabetes.
-Renal Care Protein Powder is available in low-protein and high-protein variants for individuals with kidney-related conditions. The government advises that these products should be consumed under medical guidance.
Jan Aushadhi Poshan range
For regular household nutrition, the Jan Aushadhi Poshan range offers malt-based nutritional food fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.
The products are available in:
Malt Based Food (500 g): ₹160.17
Malt Based Food with Cocoa (500 g): ₹164.62
Malt Based Food with Cocoa Sachet (30 g): ₹8.90
The different pack sizes are intended to suit varying household requirements and budgets.
Why is this significant?
While PMBJP is primarily known for providing affordable generic medicines, the expansion into nutraceuticals reflects a broader focus on preventive healthcare and nutrition. By offering lower-cost alternatives to branded nutritional supplements through its nationwide Jan Aushadhi Kendra network, the scheme seeks to make nutritional support more accessible for students, working professionals, women, senior citizens and people managing chronic health conditions.
The initiative complements the broader objective of PMBJP by combining affordable medicines with accessible nutritional products, reinforcing its vision of “Quality Healthcare and Nutrition for All.”
