Generic Medicines Outlets to provide generic medicines to common people at affordable prices

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.

Affordability

• The recombinant Hepatitis B vaccine is an excellent example of one of India’s low-cost medicines.
• The Jan Aushadhi Campaig is a self sustaining business model not dependent on government subsidies or assistance.
• These stores offer a variety of affordable generic alternatives for common medicines.
• As of November 30, 2024, 218 AMRIT pharmacies operate across 29 states and Union Territories, offering discounted medicines and surgical items.
• 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.
• Providing essential drugs and medicines at cost-effective prices is the key focus of Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
• 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.

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.

Access to affordable HIV treatment from India is one of the greatest success stories in medicine

The government and the Pharma sector in unison have managed to effectively harness the power of Information technology to improve efficiency. The Supreme Court of India also upheld the 2006 decision of the Indian patent office that refused a patent for a mere incremental innovation to a Swiss Pharma major. India already has the second highest number of US FDA approved facilities and labour costs in Indian are significantly lower than other manufacturing hubs.

Price difference between generics and branded medicines

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.

Some of the key benefits of the Jan Aushadhi Yojana include:

• This makes them more accessible to patients and healthcare providers across different regions.
• This uncompromising stand has been demonstrated through the granting of compulsory licence in 2012 to an Indian manufacturer to produce a cancer drug,  the patent for which was held by the German company Bayer.
• The poor are most affected as branded medicines are expensive and treatments involving the use of such medicines pushes them further into poverty.
• 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.
• 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.
• The generics prove to be a great alternative to branded medicines as they are bioequivalent or identical to branded drugs with comparable therapeutic action.

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.

Generic Drugs in India: A Complete Guide

• On the other hand, India’s policy and lawmakers have identified generic competition as the strongest and most effective force to reduce drug prices.
• The PMBJP scheme aims to make quality generic medicines available and affordable to all sections of society, especially the economically weaker sections.
• The poor are most affected as branded medicines are expensive and treatments involving the use of such medicines pushes them further into poverty.
• The generics prove to be a great alternative to branded medicines as they are bioequivalent or identical to branded drugs with comparable therapeutic action.
• Generic medicines in India must adhere to the same regulatory standards as branded drugs.

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 revolade price in singapore 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.

We Have 5+ Year’s Experience in exporting medicine globally

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.

Benefits of the Jan Aushadhi Scheme Campaign

Generic medicines are drugs that contain the same active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts but are sold under their chemical names, without any brand identity. The only significant difference is the price, as generic drugs are often 30% to 90% cheaper than branded medicines. With the health sector being a priority, the Government of India is continuously working to provide affordable treatments and medicines at cheaper prices to its citizens. The demand for generic medicines is rising as the Jan Aushadhi stores, across the country, are serving lakh people per day.

How to Promote the Use of Generic Medicines

In India, generic pharmaceuticals are crucial to lowering healthcare costs and increasing access. We may better appreciate their vital function in the healthcare system if we are aware of their advantages, difficulties, and legal environment. When looking for effective and affordable treatment choices, Dr. Best advises patients and healthcare professionals to explore generic options. In India, generic medicine sales appear to be on the rise, as long as the government continues to encourage them. Over the years, India has developed a strong capability in producing quality branded and generic medicines in most of the therapeutic categories, evolving from a mere Rs 1,500 crores industry in 1980 to a more than Rs 1,19,000 crores industry in 2012. Despite government efforts to promote generic medicines through initiatives like Jan Aushadhi Kendras, the availability of generics in rural and remote areas is still limited.

Lack of awareness

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.

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.

The infographic below highlights the sky-high prices of patented drugs in the US vs low-cost Indian generics.

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.

Key Features of Medkart Pharmacy

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 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. With years of experience and partnerships across the pharmaceutical industry, we guarantee timely and secure delivery. We provide a wide range of specialty drugs, from anti-viral treatments to nephrology drugs, addressing complex medical needs.

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 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.

A major turning point came in 2005 when India amended its patent laws to comply with the World Trade Organization’s Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement. The amendment reintroduced product patents for medicines, but India included provisions such as compulsory licensing, which allowed the production of generics for life-saving drugs in cases of public health emergencies. Due to the ability of the Indian pharma companies to produce drugs at economical rates, the cost of HIV/AIDS treatment has gone down to $400 per year from $12,000 – a spectacular contribution to global healthcare. 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. The law was designed with the objective of stopping drug giants from indulging in ‘evergreening,’ an unfortunately common and abusive patenting practice in the pharmaceutical industry. It is aimed at filing and then obtaining separate patents – referred to as ‘secondary patents’ – relating to different aspects of the same medicine.

• Addressing issues related to quality assurance, regulatory enforcement, public awareness, and the perception of generics is essential for improving their acceptance.
• There is immense scope for technology, innovation and research in pharmaceuticals.
• President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), UNITAID and others, rely on the country’s  generic antiretrovirals for the programs they support.
• 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.
• They have a common notion that generic drugs are available at a low price so they may be of inferior quality.

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.

• 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.
• Continued focus on strict regulatory standards is essential to ensure that all generic medicines meet the required quality and safety benchmarks.
• 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.
• The government should implement policies that incentivize doctors to prescribe generic medicines.
• They help reduce overall healthcare costs, promote health equity, and support government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana (PMJAY).
• “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.”
• India already has the second highest number of US FDA approved facilities and labour costs in Indian are significantly lower than other manufacturing hubs.
• 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.

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.