Free health check up camps continued across the country on 4 March 2026 as part of the fourth day of Janaushadhi Saptah 2026, with large participation from citizens despite ongoing Holi festivities. The camps were organised by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India under the Department of Pharmaceuticals in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers as part of a nationwide outreach programme running from 1 to 5 March ahead of the eighth Janaushadhi Diwas on 7 March.
The initiative aims to expand awareness about affordable and quality generic medicines while providing essential healthcare services to communities across states and union territories. Even as Holi celebrations took place across the country, the health camps recorded enthusiastic participation from citizens seeking medical consultations and diagnostic services.
The camps provided free medical consultations along with basic diagnostic facilities including blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing and thyroid screening. Pediatric consultations, guidance for chronic illnesses and distribution of medicines were also conducted. Janaushadhi medicines and Suvidha sanitary pads were distributed to beneficiaries, and awareness sessions were organised to inform the public about the advantages of affordable generic medicines available through government supported outlets.
As part of the week long programme, approximately 250 locations across India are hosting health camps offering free consultations, essential medicines and basic diagnostic tests. The outreach is designed to strengthen community level healthcare access while promoting awareness about cost effective treatment options through generic medicines.
Health camps on the fourth day of the programme were organised at multiple locations including Doddaballapur in Bangalore Rural district of Karnataka, Mohol in Solapur district of Maharashtra, Nowhatta in Down Town Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, Palnadu in Andhra Pradesh, Bengaluru Urban in Karnataka and Haveri in Karnataka. These camps provided local residents with direct access to medical advice and preventive health services.
The initiative is part of the broader framework of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, which aims to ensure that high quality generic medicines are available to the public at significantly lower prices compared with branded medicines. The scheme operates through a nationwide network of more than 18000 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras that are currently functioning across the country.
The Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India implements the programme with the objective of expanding affordable healthcare access while maintaining strict quality standards for medicines distributed through Janaushadhi Kendras. The availability of low cost medicines under the scheme helps reduce out of pocket healthcare expenditure for millions of citizens.
The government has set an ambitious target of establishing 25000 Janaushadhi Kendras across India by March 2027 to ensure that essential medicines reach every community and that no citizen is deprived of treatment due to financial constraints.
The scheme also offers opportunities for entrepreneurs, pharmacists and healthcare professionals to participate in expanding the network of Janaushadhi Kendras. Eligible individuals interested in opening a centre can apply through the official online portal, with financial assistance and incentives provided to support the establishment of new outlets.
Officials said the nationwide health camps organised during Janaushadhi Saptah not only provide immediate medical support but also strengthen public awareness about affordable healthcare solutions. By combining preventive health services with access to low cost medicines, the initiative seeks to promote healthier communities and advance the government’s broader healthcare mission.
