Part 4: Free and Cheap Medicines Across India

Medicines are the #1 out-of-pocket expense for Indian patients. Here is how to slash that cost to nearly zero.

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Option 1: Free Medicines at Government Hospitals

Many states provide essential drugs completely free through Drug Distribution Centres (DDCs) inside government hospitals.

States with formal free medicine schemes:

• Odisha — Niramaya (500+ drugs, 24/7 DDCs)
• Rajasthan — Mukhyamantri Nishulk Dava Yojana (since 2011, 700+ drugs)
• Tamil Nadu — Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corp (TNMSC), one of India’s best drug procurement systems
• Delhi — Free at all Delhi government hospitals
• Madhya Pradesh — Deendayal Dava Yojana

How to get them:

1. Visit a government hospital → See a doctor → Get a prescription
2. Take it to the hospital’s DDC/pharmacy counter
3. Collect your medicines — ₹0

Option 2: Jan Aushadhi Kendras (50-90% Cheaper)

10,000+ stores across India selling WHO-GMP certified generic medicines.

Price comparison:

Medicine	Branded MRP	Jan Aushadhi Price	Savings
Atorvastatin 10mg (30 tabs)	₹180	₹18	90%
Metformin 500mg (30 tabs)	₹100	₹12	88%
Amlodipine 5mg (30 tabs)	₹75	₹7	91%
Clopidogrel 75mg (30 tabs)	₹250	₹30	88%
Suvidha Sanitary Pads (4 pcs)	₹40	₹4	90%

How to find one near you:

Download the Jan Aushadhi Sugam App → Search by location.

Option 3: Drug Price Control (DPCO)

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) caps prices on 800+ essential medicines under the Drug Prices Control Order. Even at private pharmacies, these medicines cannot exceed the ceiling price.

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Next: Part 5 — Rajasthan Chiranjeevi: ₹25 Lakh Coverage