<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
As a result the drug \u2013 imatinib mesylate \u2013produced generically costs $790 per patient per year in India compared to $106, 322 per patient per year in the US. Generic drugs are easily available across India, especially with the increasing number of Jan Aushadhi stores in rural and urban areas. All this will have to be achieved without compromising on the affordability of drugs. There should be an unwavering commitment to high standards of quality in drug manufacturing and quality frameworks such as Good Manufacturing Practices should strictly be adhered to. The fixation of ceiling prices on medicines has resulted in a total saving of USD 392 million since May 2014. India has always taken a bold and exemplary stand against blind patent protection that benefit global pharma giants.<\/p>\n
Regarding non-communicable diseases (NCDs), he outlined considerable progress in the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke. The government provides free or highly subsidised treatment for NCDs at public hospitals, with major diseases covered under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PMJAY). The scheme, benefiting approximately 55 crore people, offers US$ 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.<\/p>\n
From legislative changes in the 1970s to the expansion of the global generics market, India\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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 \u201cPradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan aushadhi Kendras\u201d.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Our generic drugs are priced competitively, without compromising quality, making life-saving treatments accessible. President\u2019s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), UNITAID and others, rely on the country\u2019s generic antiretrovirals for the programs they support. Today, India is the world\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n