A Community Based Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Study on Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra (PMBJK)
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background and objective: Rising healthcare costs continue to be a global concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like India, where a significant portion of the population faces financial hardship due to high medicine expenses. The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) was introduced to improve access to affordable generic medicines through government-run Jan Aushadhi Kendras. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of the community regarding the Jan Aushadhi Scheme and generic medicines in Mangalore. Methodology: A cross-sectional, survey-based study was conducted among 318 community participants between 08/06/2025 and 07/07/2025. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire developed from literature review and translated into English and Kannada. The survey included socio-demographic data and questions categorized into three domains: knowledge, attitude and practice. Descriptive analysis was performed and the results were presented in percentages and tables. Results: Among 318 participants, only 38% were aware of the Jan Aushadhi Scheme and 33% knew about Jan Aushadhi Kendras. Awareness of generic medicines was reported by 35%, while just 30% believed generics are cheaper than branded medicines. Only 25% believed generics were as effective as branded medicines. Attitude was moderately favorable: 34.6% perceived generics to be safe, 37.7% supported training programs for healthcare providers and 40.9% wanted more media coverage. In practice, only 35.8% had visited a Jan Aushadhi Kendra and just 31.1% had purchased generic medicines. Only 23% asked pharmacists and 7.9% requested doctors for generics. Conclusion: The study revealed low levels of awareness and engagement with the Jan Aushadhi Scheme. Misconceptions about safety and efficacy persist, contributing to poor attitudes and limited practices. There is a need for community-based awareness campaigns, training for healthcare providers and policy-level interventions to promote trust and usage of generic medicines in India.
Author: Ranjan K.*, Dhanush G. S., Swasthik G., Nandan Naidu S. A., Charan H. M.
Language: English
Subfield: Economics and Econometrics
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6949940374
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