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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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.

The Role of Generic Medicines in India’s Healthcare System

• New healthcare challenges are emerging every day, especially with the alarming rise in the number of non communicable and lifestyle diseases and cancers.
• 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.
• India has always taken a bold and exemplary stand against blind patent protection that benefit global pharma giants.
• Only after being certified by these laboratories, medicines are dispatched to C&F agents, Distributors and JAKs.
• We may better appreciate their vital function in the healthcare system if we are aware of their advantages, difficulties, and legal environment.

In 2008, the Indian government launched the Jan Aushadhi Scheme, later renamed Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana (PMJAY) in 2015. This initiative aimed to promote the use of affordable generic medicines by establishing Jan Aushadhi Kendras (stores) across India, where patients could purchase high-quality generic medicines at significantly lower prices than branded drugs. The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) Scheme has introduced 2,047 medicines and 300 surgical devices, including cardiovascular, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic treatments.

Lack of awareness

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.

Providing Affordable, High-quality Generic Meds Globally

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.

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

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. afatinib price in usa 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.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana: A Game Changer for Generic Medicines

• Presently over 80 per cent of the antiretroviral drugs used globally to combat AIDS are supplied by Indian pharmaceutical firms.
• 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.
• 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 drugs are tested rigorously to ensure they meet the same safety and efficacy standards as brand-name drugs.
• 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.
• 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.
• ‘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.

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.

Browse Medicines by Categories

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra scheme ensures quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all citizens. Under the scheme, dedicated outlets known as Janaushadhi Kendras are opened to provide generic medicines at affordable prices. 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. Generic medicines are produced after the patent on a branded drug expires, allowing multiple manufacturers to make the same drug.

Jan Aushadhi and other Generic Medicine initiatives in India

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.

Quality Assurance

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.

• Yes, generic medicines are available for a wide range of diseases, including chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and infectious diseases.
• Bayer’s pricing had made the drug unaffordable to poor cancer patients in India, Africa and elsewhere.
• The potential of the PMBJP to expand and cover more medicines and medical devices is promising, and it can play a crucial role in achieving the goal of universal health coverage in India.
• Healthcare and its allied industries being the fifth-largest employer among all sectors, the Vice President asked the industry to invest in skilling.
• 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.

• Similar instructions also have been issued to ‘prescribe drugs with generic name legibly’ to all CGHS Doctors and Wellness Centres.
• President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), UNITAID and others, rely on the country’s  generic antiretrovirals for the programs they support.
• There is immense scope for technology, innovation and research in pharmaceuticals.
• During the 1980s, Indian pharmaceutical companies like Cipla, Ranbaxy, Dr. Reddy’s, and Sun Pharma started gaining momentum by producing high-quality generic medicines.
• They have a common notion that generic drugs are available at a low price so they may be of inferior quality.
• Addressing issues related to quality assurance, regulatory enforcement, public awareness, and the perception of generics is essential for improving their acceptance.
• The Vice President said that apart from being the world leader in generic medicines, India should promote Indian systems of Medicine.
• 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.
• 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.

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. Generic drugs are easily available across India, especially with the increasing number of Jan Aushadhi stores in rural and urban areas. All this will have to be achieved without compromising on the affordability of drugs. There should be an unwavering commitment to high standards of quality in drug manufacturing and quality frameworks such as Good Manufacturing Practices should strictly be adhered to. The fixation of ceiling prices on medicines has resulted in a total saving of USD 392 million since May 2014. India has always taken a bold and exemplary stand against blind patent protection that benefit global pharma giants.

Generic Drugs in India: A Complete Guide

• I have been buying prostate cancer medicine Abiraterone for my dad regularly with them.
• 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.
• This leads to lower costs because generic manufacturers do not incur the high expenses of research and marketing.
• 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.
• It is quite heartening to note that the Pharma sector is out-performing most other sectors in achieving consistently high growth.
• 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.
• This regulatory oversight helps maintain public trust in generic drugs and ensures that they are as effective as their branded counterparts.

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.

The Role of Generic Medicines in India’s Healthcare System

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.

Benefits of generic drugs

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.

What distinguishes Medkart Pharmacy from other online pharmacies?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Indian pharmaceutical companies started exporting generic drugs to developing countries that were grappling with the high cost of healthcare. 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. In recent years, generic medicines in India have emerged as a powerful tool in making healthcare more affordable and accessible to millions of people. With rising healthcare costs, the availability of generic drugs has provided relief to patients by offering low-cost alternatives without compromising on quality. This article explores the significance of generic medicines in India, their role in the healthcare system, and why they are key to reducing out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare. Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a campaign launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses.

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.

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.