From legislative changes in the 1970s to the expansion of the global generics market, India’s pharmaceutical industry has grown into a powerhouse. Today, India stands as a leader in the global generic drug market, providing life-saving medicines to millions of people worldwide, while continuing to be a vital player in making healthcare affordable for all. Yet, the country’s marginalised populations have limited access to medicines as branded medicines are sold at significantly higher prices than their unbranded generic equivalents, despite being identical in the therapeutic value. Therefore, there is an urgent need to ensure the availability of cheaper generics to citizens; this is in the best interest of these populations.
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) : Making Quality Medicines Affordable and Accessible in India
Under the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Policy, as on December 15, 2016, ceiling price of 853 formulations are under price control. It has also introduced a range of fiscal incentives to promote domestic manufacturing, including the reduction of inverted duty structure and basic customs duty. Pharmaceuticals is one of the fastest growing contributors to “Make in India” campaign since its inception. India also has a large pool of talented scientists and engineers who have the potential to lead the industry ahead to greater heights.
Are generic medicines as effective as brand-name ones?
Generic medicines play a crucial role in promoting health equity by ensuring that medications are accessible to all segments of the population, regardless of socioeconomic status. This is particularly important in a diverse country like India, where disparities in access to healthcare can be significant. The production of affordable generics helped address critical healthcare needs in India, particularly in treating infectious diseases like tuberculosis and malaria, which were prevalent across the country. Pharma companies should go above and beyond their CSR mandates to provide life saving and other essential drugs to those who cannot afford them. Quality medicines at affordable prices are now available to the poor and disadvantaged through the “Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan aushadhi Kendras”.
- Government has set a target to open 10,500 Kendras across the country by March 2025.
- This is an eloquent testimony to the competence of the Indian pharma sector in terms of quality and pricing.
- The AIDS crisis in the late 1990s further highlighted India’s role in the global healthcare system.
- Many patients are unaware that generic medicines contain the same active ingredients as branded drugs and are equally effective.
- The scheme was a major milestone in making healthcare accessible to all citizens, especially in rural and underprivileged areas.
- In India, generic medicine sales appear to be on the rise, as long as the government continues to encourage them.
- He said that it was essential for a country like India to provide healthcare and medicines at affordable prices.
What is the focus of Medkart Pharmacy?
The recombinant Hepatitis B vaccine is an excellent example of one of India’s low-cost medicines. Large multinational pharmaceutical companies held a complete monopoly on the vaccine and ensured that the price of the drug was high. At $23 per dose, a manufacturer in India saw an unmet need and, in the absence of patent barriers, developed a Hepatitis B vaccine to reduce the price of the drug to less than $1 per dose. Today, India is a main supplier of vaccines to UNICEF and to the Ministries of Health in numerous countries. With an objective of making quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers in the year 2008.
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana
The act abolished product patents on drugs and allowed only process patents for a limited period. This meant that Indian pharmaceutical companies could legally reverse-engineer and produce generic versions of patented drugs by using a different manufacturing process. Making quality medicines available at affordable prices for all, particularly the poor and disadvantaged, through exclusive outlets “Jan Aushadhi Medical Store”, so as to reduce out of pocket expenses in healthcare. So it is not only the responsibility of the government to support generics, but we all should also take the initiative to support generics. Recently, these initiatives have already been started by a few state governments in India. Low-cost, generic medicines produced in India are helping millions of people across the world get affordable, high-quality medication.
Drug Resources
These medicines are available through more than 8,600 PMBJKs functioning across the country. Though the active ingredients are the same, generics often come with different packaging, branding, or labeling compared to the original drug. New healthcare challenges are emerging every day, especially with the alarming rise in the number of non communicable and lifestyle diseases and cancers. I urge young researchers to work towards standardizing and benchmarking Indian systems of medicine. It is up to you to establish the efficiency, validity and efficacy of these traditional medicines, using globally established experimental protocols. It is my ambition that along with being the world leader in generic medicines, we should also promote Indian systems of Medicine.
- Despite these changes, Indian pharmaceutical companies continued to thrive by focusing on producing generics for medicines whose patents had expired and exporting them worldwide.
- It has also introduced a range of fiscal incentives to promote domestic manufacturing, including the reduction of inverted duty structure and basic customs duty.
- The scheme has been successful in increasing the accessibility of medicines to the masses and has helped in reducing healthcare costs for individuals and the government.
- The country earned the title of the “pharmacy of the developing world”, providing essential medicines at low prices to countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
- Continued focus on strict regulatory standards is essential to ensure that all generic medicines meet the required quality and safety benchmarks.
- Generic medicines are vital for providing affordable healthcare to millions in India.
Where can I buy generic medicines in India?
Further, Clause 1.5 of Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002 prescribes that every physcian should prescribe drugs with generic names legibly and preferably in capital letters. Additionally, the erstwhile Medical Council of India (MCI) had issued Circulars vide which all the Registered Medical Practitioners have been directed to comply with the aforesaid provisions. You can trust Indiangenericprice for reliable access to specialized medications that are affordable and delivered worldwide.
What distinguishes Medkart Pharmacy from other online pharmacies?
In order to ensure quality of the products, PMBI procures medicines only from World Health Organization – Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP) certified suppliers. Apart from this, each batch of drug is tested at laboratories accredited by ‘National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). Only after passing the quality tests, the medicines are dispatched to PMBJP Kendras. The government has also launched a mobile application ‘Janaushadhi Sugam’ that provides information to public about location of kendras, help them search Janaushadhi medicines and compare the maximum retail price of Generic vs. Branded medicines, etc.
How do generic medicines promote health equity?
It is a common tactic by which the pharmaceutical industry extends their monopoly on drugs beyond the original patent’s 20 years. Long monopoly of a single company in the US keeps prices high because generic competition is blocked. This problem gets further aggravated as almost 80% of expenditure on health care is borne by the patients themselves.
Drug Resources
To address this issue government central government started Jan Aushadhi (Medicine for the masses) programme in 2008 with the objective of providing quality medicines at affordable prices. Despite their potential to make healthcare affordable and accessible, generic medicines in India face multiple challenges. Addressing issues related to quality assurance, regulatory enforcement, public awareness, and the perception of generics is essential for improving their acceptance. By overcoming these obstacles, India can better harness the power of generic drugs to benefit its healthcare system and ensure equitable access to essential medicines. By the 1990s, India had become one of the largest suppliers of generic medicines globally.
Global Reach
Developing countries across the world face several challenges, key among which is providing their people with affordable medicines of high-quality. You can purchase generic medicines at Jan Aushadhi Kendras (government-run stores) and most pharmacies across India. These stores offer a variety of affordable generic alternatives for common medicines.
History of Generic Medicines in India
There are more than 700 medicines; more than 150 surgicals and consumables are available at affordable prices for all at more than 4000 ‘Jan Aushadi Kedras’ across the nation. ‘Pharma Jan Samadhan’, a customer grievances redressal system was launched and a mobile application – ‘Pharma Sahi Daam’ that provides real-time information to consumers on prices of Scheduled/Non-scheduled medicines has also been introduced. Our medications are sourced from Indian certified manufacturers and meet global regulatory standards. We help you to access high quality generic medicine and overcome financial barriers. How the law works is borne out of the patent decision in 2005 which rejected the Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis’ attempt to patent the salt/crystalline form of ‘Imatinib,’ a life saving medicine for treating chronic myeloid leukemia.
One of the main reasons to support generic medicine in India is the low cost of generic medicines. More than 70% of the Indian population lives in rural areas, of which 35% are below the poverty line. On the other hand, India’s policy and lawmakers have identified generic competition as the strongest and most effective force to reduce drug prices. Having fewer patents in India means more generic competition, which means more affordable medicines for people and governments in developing countries. They are accepted globally and are of the same quality with a lesser cost as compared to branded drugs.
Indiangenericprice believes that no one should be deprived of essential healthcare, regardless of their location or financial situation. Our goal is to transform global healthcare access by breaking down barriers through convenience and affordability. A ‘public first’ approach to policy, strict medicine patent law and doctors who have used reverse-engineering to introduce generic drugs, are some of the reasons that India has emerged as the ‘pharmacy’ of the developing world.
With the vision to provide quality generic medicines to all citizens, the government’s Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana brings this concept to reality. Out of Pocket expenditure on medicines constitutes more than 50% of healthcare expenditure in India. The poor are most affected as branded medicines are expensive and treatments involving the use of such medicines pushes them further into poverty.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana: A Game Changer for Generic Medicines
As previously mentioned, generic medicines are far cheaper than branded drugs, allowing patients to afford treatments for chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases without financial strain. “Making quality medicines available at affordable prices has been a key challenge. We will reinvigorate the supply of generic drugs. 3,000 Stores under Prime Minister’s Jan Aushadhi Yojana will be opened during 2017.” This public health approach to setting strict patent standards is in line with international trade rules and encourages timely entry of affordable generics into the market, driving prices down.
Unlike branded medicines, which spend significantly on advertising and promotion, generic drugs rely less on branding and more on their efficacy, resulting in reduced costs. The government has proposed amendments to the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules to ensure availability of generic drugs at reasonable prices and to promote the use of generic medicines. To ensure high quality, medicines are procured from WHO Good manufacturing practice (GMP), Current Good Manufacturing Practice and CPSUs manufacturers for supplying to Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras. Only after being certified by these laboratories, medicines are dispatched to C&F agents, Distributors and JAKs. In contrast to India’s stricter patentability criteria, the U.S. allows the practice of ‘evergreening’ that helps delay generic competition and keeps prices high.
- These programmes benefit more than 15 million people who are living with HIV/AIDS.
- Generic drugs have the same active ingredients as the brand-name drugs, ensuring the same therapeutic benefits.
- In 2008, the Indian government launched the Jan Aushadhi Scheme, later renamed Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana (PMJAY) in 2015.
- The Pharma industry has posted a robust, double-digit growth over the last few years.
- Generic medicines are drugs that contain the same active ingredients as branded medicines, but are sold under their chemical name.
- We help you to access high quality generic medicine and overcome financial barriers.
- A landmark moment in India’s pharmaceutical history came with the Indian Patents Act of 1970.
- For them, the brand name matters not only in cosmetics, clothes, groceries, and accessories but also in the case of medicines.
The scheme is being implemented by the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (BPPI), under the administrative control of the Department of Pharmaceuticals and the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers. As of FY23, it covers 1,759 medicines and 280 surgical & consumables in all key therapeutic categories such as anti-infective, anti-allergic, anti-diabetics, cardiovascular, anti-cancers, and gastrointestinal medicines. India should also enter into international partnerships and agreements in the pharmaceutical sector so that we learn from the best and adopt the best protocols and practices.
The journey of generic medicines in India has been pivotal in transforming the country’s healthcare landscape. From early efforts to make essential medicines affordable to becoming one of the world’s largest producers of generics, India’s generic pharmaceutical industry has a rich history. Here’s a look at the key milestones in the development of generic medicines in India. The Vice President ibrutinib price philippines asked Pharma companies to go above and beyond their CSR mandates to provide life saving and other essential drugs to those who cannot afford them. He said that it was essential for a country like India to provide healthcare and medicines at affordable prices. In developing countries, India is rendering yeoman service by providing access to life saving medicines at affordable prices, he added.
PMBJP seeks to keep product price within 50% of branded product price to make it affordable for all, especially the poor. In December 2023, the Department of Pharmaceuticals announced the availability of Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Oxo-Biodegradable Sanitary Napkins at Rs. 1 to ensure easy accessibility of and provide affordable sanitary napkins to women in India. From the beginning until November 30, 2023, more than 47.87 crore Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Pads have been purchased from Jan Aushadhi Kendras. Healthcare and its allied industries being the fifth-largest employer among all sectors, the Vice President asked the industry to invest in skilling. Given the significance of highly educated and specialized scientists in the sector, skill development is crucial, he said. He asked for a constant coordination between government and Industry to remove disconnect between demand and supply of skilled manpower in pharmacy sector.
- On the other hand, India’s policy and lawmakers have identified generic competition as the strongest and most effective force to reduce drug prices.
- From early efforts to make essential medicines affordable to becoming one of the world’s largest producers of generics, India’s generic pharmaceutical industry has a rich history.
- The Scheme is being implemented through the Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI), under the administrative control of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India.
- It is clear that since the ancient times India had a very systematic, scientific and rational approach to the treatment of diseases.
- As a leading Jan Aushadhi supplier, we are committed to making high-quality, affordable medicines available to healthcare providers and patients across India.
- The generics prove to be a great alternative to branded medicines as they are bioequivalent or identical to branded drugs with comparable therapeutic action.
- Today, India is a main supplier of vaccines to UNICEF and to the Ministries of Health in numerous countries.
- The PMBJP scheme aims to make quality generic medicines available and affordable to all sections of society, especially the economically weaker sections.
PMBJP stores have been set up to provide generic drugs, which are available at lesser prices but are equivalent in quality and efficacy as expensive branded drugs. Government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare professionals should launch awareness campaigns to educate the public about the benefits of generic medicines. Patients should be informed that generic drugs are just as effective as branded drugs but at a lower price. The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) was launched to promote the use of generic medicines and reduce healthcare costs for the masses. Under this scheme, Jan Aushadhi stores have been set up across India, where generic medicines are sold at affordable prices, making essential drugs accessible even in remote areas.
All Generic and Branded Medicines and the rest of the essential medical products on Medkart Pharmacy are sourced directly from reputable manufacturers, ensuring authenticity and compliance with industry standards. The Jan Aushadhi Campaig is a self sustaining business model not dependent on government subsidies or assistance. It is run in a Campaign Mission Mode on the principle of Not for Profits but with Minimal Profits.
By offering low-cost, high-quality alternatives to branded drugs, generic medicines help reduce healthcare costs and improve access to treatments, supporting the government’s broader goal of universal healthcare. India is one of the world’s largest producers of generic drugs, with Indian pharmaceutical companies supplying over 50% of global demand for various vaccines and 40% of the generic drugs used in the United States. The Indian government has taken several initiatives to promote the use of generic medicines domestically, including the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana (PMJAY), which provides quality generic medicines at affordable prices. India’s generic medicines are not only essential for its own population but also play a critical role in global healthcare. The country’s pharmaceutical sector has become a reliable source of affordable medicines for developed and developing countries alike. The history of generic medicines in India reflects the country’s commitment to ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare.
Generic medicines are much cheaper because they do not involve the initial research and marketing costs of branded medicines. However, they are bioequivalent to branded drugs and are just as safe and effective. While generics are generally cheaper than branded drugs, there can be variability in the pricing of generic medicines across different regions and pharmacies. This can confuse consumers, and in some cases, patients may not experience the cost savings they expect. During the 1980s, Indian pharmaceutical companies like Cipla, Ranbaxy, Dr. Reddy’s, and Sun Pharma started gaining momentum by producing high-quality generic medicines. These companies began to challenge the dominance of global pharmaceutical giants by offering the same medicines at significantly reduced prices.
It is quite heartening to note that the Pharma sector is out-performing most other sectors in achieving consistently high growth. The Pharma industry has posted a robust, double-digit growth over the last few years. The industry was worth US $36.7 Billion in 2017 and is projected to grow to US $55 Billion by 2020. The Atharva veda is a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom in the field of medicine. It is clear that since the ancient times India had a very systematic, scientific and rational approach to the treatment of diseases. I have been buying prostate cancer medicine Abiraterone for my dad regularly with them.
Thus, access to low-priced generic drugs is very critical in ensuring health care at affordable prices. Generic medicines are drugs that contain the same active ingredients as branded medicines, but are sold under their chemical name. They are equivalent in dosage, safety, strength, quality, and intended use, offering the same therapeutic benefits at a much lower cost. Continued focus on strict regulatory standards is essential to ensure that all generic medicines meet the required quality and safety benchmarks. Generic drugs in India must meet strict quality standards set by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). Generic medicines are widely available and are often produced by multiple manufacturers once the patent for the original drug expires.
Our generic drugs are priced competitively, without compromising quality, making life-saving treatments accessible. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), UNITAID and others, rely on the country’s generic antiretrovirals for the programs they support. Today, India is the world’s primary source of affordable HIV medicines as it is one of the few countries with the capacity to quickly produce newer HIV drugs as generics.
There is immense scope for technology, innovation and research in pharmaceuticals. Generic drugs export has been growing at a very impressive rate of around 24% per year for the last four years. Our extensive catalog includes specialized drugs that cater to serious conditions such as HIV, Hepatitis, Cancer, and more. We deliver medications worldwide, ensuring that patients from all corners of the globe receive the care they need.
The article discusses the types of medicines available through the scheme, quality standards, certification process, pricing, and benefits to the general public. The article also highlights the challenges faced by the PMBJP scheme in ensuring the availability and accessibility of medicines in remote areas. Furthermore, the article discusses the potential of PMBJP to expand and cover more medicines and medical devices, as well as its role in achieving the goal of universal health coverage in India. Generic medicines play a key role in government healthcare initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana (PMJAY), which aims to make essential medicines affordable and accessible to all citizens.