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.
- Generic drugs in India must meet strict quality standards set by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).
- Generic medicines are drugs that contain the same active ingredients as branded medicines, but are sold under their chemical name.
- The act abolished product patents on drugs and allowed only process patents for a limited period.
- Healthcare is the fifth-largest employer among all sectors, both in terms of direct and indirect employment.
- This can confuse consumers, and in some cases, patients may not experience the cost savings they expect.
History of Generic Medicines in India
As a result the drug – imatinib mesylate –produced generically costs $790 per patient per year in India compared to $106, 322 per patient per year in the US. Generic drugs are easily available across India, especially with the increasing number of Jan Aushadhi stores in rural and urban areas. All this will have to be achieved without compromising on the affordability of drugs. There should be an unwavering commitment to high standards of quality in drug manufacturing and quality frameworks such as Good Manufacturing Practices should strictly be adhered to. The fixation of ceiling prices on medicines has resulted in a total saving of USD 392 million since May 2014. India has always taken a bold and exemplary stand against blind patent protection that benefit global pharma giants.
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Regarding non-communicable diseases (NCDs), he outlined considerable progress in the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke. The government provides free or highly subsidised treatment for NCDs at public hospitals, with major diseases covered under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PMJAY). The scheme, benefiting approximately 55 crore people, offers US$ 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.
Challenges Faced by Generic Medicines in India or Problems with Generic Drugs in India
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.
- Pharmaceuticals is one of the fastest growing contributors to “Make in India” campaign since its inception.
- Yes, Medkart Pharmacy offers a diverse range of over-the-counter products to meet common health needs.
- India’s generic medicines are not only essential for its own population but also play a critical role in global healthcare.
- Therefore, there is an urgent need to ensure the availability of cheaper generics to citizens; this is in the best interest of these populations.
- Medicines in almost every therapeutic category are sold primarily as branded drugs, at disproportionately high prices.
- More than 70% of the Indian population lives in rural areas, of which 35% are below the poverty line.
- In order to ensure quality of the products, PMBI procures medicines only from World Health Organization – Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP) certified suppliers.
Apply for Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra
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”.
Drug Resources
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.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana: A Game Changer for Generic Medicines
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.
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) : Making Quality Medicines Affordable and Accessible in India
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.
Initiatives to support generics in India
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.
Steps taken for Promotion of Generic Medicines
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.
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 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. Bayer’s pricing had made the drug unaffordable to poor cancer patients in India, Africa and elsewhere. Presently over 80 per cent of the antiretroviral drugs used globally to combat AIDS are supplied by Indian pharmaceutical firms. The Mantras in these ancient texts contain a wealth of information regarding herbs, metals, medicines, diseases and treatments. They speak of the astounding properties and powers that herbs and plants possess to cure diseases.
How can I be sure that the medicines on Medkart Pharmacy are genuine?
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.
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.
On Your Medicine Bills By Switching To Generic Medicines
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.
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.
- As a leading Jan Aushadhi supplier, we are committed to making high-quality, affordable medicines available to healthcare providers and patients across India.
- Generic medicines in India must adhere to the same regulatory standards as branded drugs.
- The generics prove to be a great alternative to branded medicines as they are bioequivalent or identical to branded drugs with comparable therapeutic action.
- 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 poor are most affected as branded medicines are expensive and treatments involving the use of such medicines pushes them further into poverty.
- 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.
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.
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.
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 sorafenib price in malaysia 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.
- The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) imparts quality education in the areas of pharmaceutical sciences.
- Governments of developing countries have also initiated HIV treatment programmes using generically produced medicines from India.
- Apart from this, each batch of drug is tested at laboratories accredited by ‘National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).
- 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 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.
- 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.
- “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.”
- Yes, generic medicines are available for a wide range of diseases, including chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and infectious diseases.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Such patents are routinely granted in the US and other countries, but India chose to prioritise access to medicines over the business interests of the pharmaceutical industry. Yes, generic medicines are available for a wide range of diseases, including chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and infectious diseases. Branded drugs are developed after years of research and clinical trials, making the original manufacturer the exclusive seller for a specific time through a patent.