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.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana: A Game Changer for Generic Medicines
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.
How are generic medicines different from branded medicines?
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 revolade price in mexico 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.
How do generic medicines support government healthcare initiatives 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.
Generic Medicines in India: A Revolution in Affordable Healthcare
This leads to lower costs because generic manufacturers do not incur the high expenses of research and marketing. As of July 2024, ~13,113 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana Kendras were operational in India. Under the PMBJP Kendras, a medicine is priced on the principle of a maximum of 50% of the average price of the top three branded medicines. Therefore, the cost of Jan Aushadhi medicines is cheaper by ~50% and in some cases, by 80-90% of the market price for branded medicines. Rural health programmes, lifesaving drugs and preventive vaccines should also receive attention from policy makers and Pharma companies alike.
Where can I buy generic medicines in India?
Regarding non-communicable diseases (NCDs), he outlined considerable progress in the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke. The government provides free or highly subsidised treatment for NCDs at public hospitals, with major diseases covered under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PMJAY). The scheme, benefiting approximately 55 crore people, offers US$ 5,886 (Rs. 5 lakh) annual health cover for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation. Additionally, the scheme has extended coverage to senior citizens aged 70 and above. As of November 30, 2024, 218 AMRIT pharmacies operate across 29 states and Union Territories, offering discounted medicines and surgical items.
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Yes, Medkart Pharmacy offers a diverse range of over-the-counter products to meet common health needs. We at Medkart Pharmacy dream of making sure that everyone is truly aware of Generic Medicines. You can also buy essential medical products, branded or generic medicines online from medkart official website. Increasing the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras across India, especially in rural areas, can ensure the availability of generic medicines to even the most underserved populations. As India continues to address its healthcare challenges, the role of generic medicines will remain vital in ensuring that all individuals have access to the medications they need for maintaining good health. Despite these changes, Indian pharmaceutical companies continued to thrive by focusing on producing generics for medicines whose patents had expired and exporting them worldwide.
Are generic medicines safe and effective?
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.
- From legislative changes in the 1970s to the expansion of the global generics market, India’s pharmaceutical industry has grown into a powerhouse.
- 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.
- Indian companies, particularly Cipla, gained international recognition by producing affordable generic antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to treat HIV/AIDS, which significantly lowered the cost of treatment in Africa and other developing regions.
- Low-cost, generic medicines produced in India are helping millions of people across the world get affordable, high-quality medication.
- By providing affordable medication options, generic medicines ensure that low-income individuals and underserved populations have access to necessary treatments, reducing healthcare disparities across the country.
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- Quality medicines at affordable prices are now available to the poor and disadvantaged through the “Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan aushadhi Kendras”.
- It is run in a Campaign Mission Mode on the principle of Not for Profits but with Minimal Profits.
On Your Medicine Bills By Switching To Generic Medicines
This makes them more accessible to patients and healthcare providers across different regions. The scheme was a major milestone in making healthcare accessible to all citizens, especially in rural and underprivileged areas. PMJAY also helped raise awareness about the benefits of generic medicines, countering the perception that generics are of lower quality. The AIDS crisis in the late 1990s further highlighted India’s role in the global healthcare system. Indian companies, particularly Cipla, gained international recognition by producing affordable generic antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to treat HIV/AIDS, which significantly lowered the cost of treatment in Africa and other developing regions.
Steps taken for Promotion of Generic Medicines
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.
How are generic medicines different from branded medicines?
Additionally, healthcare professionals should be trained on the efficacy of generics to shift prescribing practices. Once a drug patent expires, multiple pharmaceutical companies can produce and sell the generic version, leading to increased competition and lower prices for consumers. Providing essential drugs and medicines at cost-effective prices is the key focus of Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. Under free drug initiatve of National Health Mission (NHM), support is provided for provision of essential generic drugs free of cost in public health facilities. Indiangenericprice ensures that all our medications are obtained from certified manufacturers, meeting strict global safety and efficacy guidelines. We aim to make advanced medications affordable and accessible for patients everywhere.
- The AIDS crisis in the late 1990s further highlighted India’s role in the global healthcare system.
- The PMBJP scheme aims to make quality generic medicines available and affordable to all sections of society, especially the economically weaker sections.
- Government has set a target to open 10,500 Kendras across the country by March 2025.
- So it is not only the responsibility of the government to support generics, but we all should also take the initiative to support generics.
- He said that it was essential for a country like India to provide healthcare and medicines at affordable prices.
- Today, India is a main supplier of vaccines to UNICEF and to the Ministries of Health in numerous countries.
- The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has called up on the pharmaceutical industry to work towards making India an International Capital of Generic Medicines.
- Many patients are unaware that generic medicines contain the same active ingredients as branded drugs and are equally effective.
These programmes benefit more than 15 million people who are living with HIV/AIDS. This allowed for the production of low-cost, generic versions of medicines that were patented in other countries. Generic drugs have the same active ingredients as the brand-name drugs, ensuring the same therapeutic benefits. However, the inactive ingredients (such as fillers, colorants, or preservatives) may vary, but they do not affect the drug’s performance.
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The Government of India has taken up a number of initiatives to create an ecosystem that fosters manufacturing and have identified a few key areas. ‘Make in India’ is one of the key programmes launched by the government to boost the economy and the aim is to transform India into a global manufacturing hub. This is an eloquent testimony to the competence of the Indian pharma sector in terms of quality and pricing. The Minister for Excise and Liquor Prohibition, Uttar Pradesh, Shri Jai Parata Singh and several dignitaries from fields of medicine, pharmaceuticals and other were present on the occasion. Saying that pharmaceuticals was a priority area for Government, Shri Naidu stressed the need to further harness the potential of the sector by use of technology, innovation and research. To bring down the healthcare budget of every citizen of India through providing Quality generic Medicines at Affordable Prices.
- These stores offer a variety of affordable generic alternatives for common medicines.
- All this will have to be achieved without compromising on the affordability of drugs.
- Many rural pharmacies may not stock a wide range of generics due to logistical challenges or low demand, leading patients to rely on more expensive branded alternatives.
- Providing essential drugs and medicines at cost-effective prices is the key focus of Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
- 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.
- The initiative aims to make essential medicines more accessible and affordable through resolute PMBJK outlets.
- 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.
Under the Scheme, dedicated outlets known as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) are opened to provide generic medicines at cheaper rates to the citizens. Government has set a target to open 10,500 Kendras across the country by March 2025. As a leading Jan Aushadhi supplier, we are committed to making high-quality, affordable medicines available to healthcare providers and patients across India. Contact us today for bulk orders and learn more about how we support the mission of affordable healthcare.
India is the largest provider of generic drugs globally with the Indian generics accounting for 20 % of global exports in terms of volume. The Vice President said that apart from being the world leader in generic medicines, India should promote Indian systems of Medicine. He asked young researchers to work towards standardizing and benchmarking Indian systems of medicine and establish the efficiency, validity and efficacy of these traditional medicines, using globally established experimental protocols. Moreover, the Directorate General of Health Services has directed all Central Government hospitals to prescribe generic medicines only. Similar instructions also have been issued to ‘prescribe drugs with generic name legibly’ to all CGHS Doctors and Wellness Centres. Big pharmaceutical corporations with patent monopolies were charging over $10,000 per patient per year for antiretrovirals (HIV medicines), thereby making treatment economically unviable for millions of patients in the developing world.
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.
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.
Generic medicines can only be produced after the patent on the brand-name drug has expired. This allows multiple manufacturers to create the same medicine, increasing competition and driving prices down. Generic drugs are tested rigorously to ensure they meet the same safety and efficacy standards as brand-name drugs. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) or India’s CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organization) ensure that generic drugs adhere to strict guidelines before they are approved for public use. A landmark moment in India’s pharmaceutical history came with the Indian Patents Act of 1970.
There is still a large section of the population which finds it difficult to afford these high-priced medicines. According to World Health Organization estimates (2008), 65% of India‟s population does not have access to modern health care. Since 80% of out-patient care and 60% of in-hospital care occurs at private hospitals in India, households are exposed to a private-sector market to buy drugs (Public Health Foundation of India, 2012). According to NSO estimates, upto 79% of health care expenses in rural areas are due to the cost of medicines. Though the government has encouraged the prescription of generic medicines, many doctors in India still prefer prescribing branded drugs due to established relationships with pharmaceutical companies or doubts about the quality of generics. While the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana (PMJAY) has promoted the use of generic medicines, there is still a lack of awareness about the benefits of generics among the general public and even some healthcare professionals.
Our support team works tirelessly to assist patients and healthcare providers with their medication requirements. In 2005, India adopted a strict medicines patent law that, while allowing patent protection for new pharmaceutical compounds, makes it tougher to get a patent on new forms of existing medicines. Governments of developing countries have also initiated HIV treatment programmes using generically produced medicines from India.
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.
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.