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.

Where can I buy generic medicines in India?

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.

What healthcare information does Medkart Pharmacy provide?

This competition, along with the lack of R&D and marketing costs, significantly reduces the price of generic medicines. Generic medicines are vital for providing affordable healthcare to millions in India. With initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana, the country is moving towards a future where quality medicines are available to all, regardless of financial constraints. However, more awareness, policy changes, and efforts to improve public perception are needed to fully unlock the potential of generic medicines in India. Indian manufacturers, with their reverse engineering skills, were the first to market low-cost versions of the life-saving cancer (Imatinib) and HIV drugs (Zidovudine) within a few years of their US launch. 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.

Quality Assurance

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.

Can I find over-the-counter (OTC) products on Medkart Pharmacy?

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 as effective as brand-name ones?

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.

History of Generic Medicines in India

As of December 2023, the government has already established 10,006, with 206 medicines and 13 surgical equipment have been newly added this year in Jan Aushadhi stores in the country. Generic medicines play a crucial role in making healthcare more affordable and accessible. They help reduce overall healthcare costs, promote health equity, and support government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana (PMJAY). Yes, generic medicines are required to meet the same safety, quality, and efficacy standards as branded medicines. They must be approved by regulatory authorities like the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in India. The availability of generic drugs fosters competition among pharmaceutical companies, which drives innovation and encourages more affordable pricing across the board.

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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.

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• The Mantras in these ancient texts contain a wealth of information regarding herbs, metals, medicines, diseases and treatments.
• As a result the drug – imatinib mesylate –produced generically costs $790 per patient per year in India compared to $106, 322 per patient per year in the US.
• The PMBJP scheme aims to make quality generic medicines available and affordable to all sections of society, especially the economically weaker sections.
• Generic medicines in India must adhere to the same regulatory standards as branded drugs.
• It is clear that since the ancient times India had a very systematic, scientific and rational approach to the treatment of diseases.
• The AIDS crisis in the late 1990s further highlighted India’s role in the global healthcare system.
• 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.

How do generic medicines benefit India’s healthcare system?

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. While generic medicines have played a transformative role in improving healthcare accessibility and affordability, they also face several challenges in India. These issues stem from quality control, regulatory oversight, and consumer perception, all of which can hinder the widespread acceptance and effectiveness of generics in the country. Today, India is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of generic medicines, accounting for about 20% of the global supply. Indian pharmaceutical companies manufacture a wide range of generic drugs, including antibiotics, antivirals, and medicines for chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.

• The Jan Aushadhi Campaig is a self sustaining business model not dependent on government subsidies or assistance.
• By the 1990s, India had become one of the largest suppliers of generic medicines globally.
• The recombinant Hepatitis B vaccine is an excellent example of one of India’s low-cost medicines.
• 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.

How can I be sure that the medicines on Medkart Pharmacy are genuine?

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 Abiraterone price philippines 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.

For them, the brand name matters not only in cosmetics, clothes, groceries, and accessories but also in the case of medicines. They have a common notion that generic drugs are available at a low price so they may be of inferior quality. Medkart Pharmacy stands out by actively promoting awareness and accessibility to generic medicines online and offering cost-effective healthcare solutions to our customers. This has resulted in substantial savings to common man as prices of generic medicines being sold in the PMBJP Kendras is lower by 50% to 90% of the equivalent branded medicines. The government should implement policies that incentivize doctors to prescribe 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.

• 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.
• Healthcare and its allied industries being the fifth-largest employer among all sectors, the Vice President asked the industry to invest in skilling.
• India already has the second highest number of US FDA approved facilities and labour costs in Indian are significantly lower than other manufacturing hubs.
• The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) imparts quality education in the areas of pharmaceutical sciences.
• Apart from this, each batch of drug is tested at laboratories accredited by ‘National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).

Jan Aushadhi and other Generic Medicine initiatives in India

Moreover, it is easier to get generic medicines directly from online pharmacy 24/7 or in a nearby chemist shop. The generics prove to be a great alternative to branded medicines as they are bioequivalent or identical to branded drugs with comparable therapeutic action. Along with no compromise on quality, it is also cost-effective, as the cost of research and development and drug discovery is not included in the case of generic drugs.

Browse the Drugs alphabetically

Dr. Yussef Hamied from India electrified the world by announcing that the generic company Cipla would manufacture and supply the triple fixed-dose combination of HIV antiretrovirals at $1 a day, a 99.99 percent price cut. Stay updated by checking our website or subscribing to our newsletter for ongoing offers. This is the Government Services Portal of India, developed with an objective to enable a single window access to services being provided by the various Indian Government entities. It is designed and developed by National Informatics Centre (NIC), Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India. National Skill Development Coorporation has identified more than 60 job roles for the pharmacy graduates and post gradutes for consideration under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna. In a very proactive move, the Government of India is setting up an electronic platform to regulate the profusion of online pharmacies that are coming up, under a new policy, to stop any misuse due to easy availability.

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.

• This allows multiple manufacturers to create the same medicine, increasing competition and driving prices down.
• The country’s pharmaceutical sector has become a reliable source of affordable medicines for developed and developing countries alike.
• They speak of the astounding properties and powers that herbs and plants possess to cure diseases.
• They must be approved by regulatory authorities like the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in India.
• 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.
• One of the main reasons to support generic medicine in India is the low cost of 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.

It can depend on the clinical data presented by the innovator’s company for the safety profile of the medicine. By offering affordable and accessible healthcare options, generic medicines play a critical role in lowering healthcare costs while ensuring high standards of safety and effectiveness. This law fostered the growth of a strong domestic pharmaceutical industry focused on producing affordable generic drugs. It enabled Indian companies to manufacture medicines at much lower costs, without infringing on patents held by multinational corporations. Before the 1970s, India’s pharmaceutical market was dominated by multinational corporations, which produced and sold branded medicines at high prices. The Indian pharmaceutical industry was relatively underdeveloped, and most medicines, especially life-saving ones, were imported, making them inaccessible to a large part of the population due to high costs.

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.

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.

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.

• The Jan Aushadhi initiative will make available quality drugs at affordable prices through dedicated stores selling generic medicines which are available at lesser prices but are equivalent in quality and efficacy as expensive branded drugs.
• The article also highlights the challenges faced by the PMBJP scheme in ensuring the availability and accessibility of medicines in remote areas.
• 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.
• For the benefit of the Indian population, DR BEST Pharmaceuticals also took a great initiative by starting their online pharmacy, which offers generic medicines with up to 80% discount at your doorsteps.
• As of December 2023, the government has already established 10,006, with 206 medicines and 13 surgical equipment have been newly added this year in Jan Aushadhi stores in the country.
• These companies began to challenge the dominance of global pharmaceutical giants by offering the same medicines at significantly reduced prices.
• By offering affordable and accessible healthcare options, generic medicines play a critical role in lowering healthcare costs while ensuring high standards of safety and effectiveness.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.