Drug Price List: Generics and Matching Brands

Drug Price List: Generics and Matching Brands

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.

Overview of Pharmacy associations in India

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.

Are generic medicines as effective as brand-name ones?

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.

• 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 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.
• As a leading Jan Aushadhi supplier, we are committed to making high-quality, affordable medicines available to healthcare providers and patients across India.
• 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.
• We aim to make advanced medications affordable and accessible for patients everywhere.
• 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.
• 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.

Why Are Generic Medicines Cheaper?

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

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.

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

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.

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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, epclusa price philippines 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.

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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.

• All this will have to be achieved without compromising on the affordability of drugs.
• President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), UNITAID and others, rely on the country’s  generic antiretrovirals for the programs they support.
• 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.
• 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.
• Indiangenericprice believes that no one should be deprived of essential healthcare, regardless of their location or financial situation.

Benefits of the Jan Aushadhi Scheme Campaign

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.

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana

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.

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 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.

Medkart Pharmacy offers informational content on various health topics, promoting awareness and well-being among our customers. New molecules and new drugs will have to be discovered and treatment protocols will have to be continuously upgraded and updated. The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) imparts quality education in the areas of pharmaceutical sciences. Healthcare is the fifth-largest employer among all sectors, both in terms of direct and indirect employment. Given the significance of highly educated and specialized scientists in the sector, skill development is crucial.

• Government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare professionals should launch awareness campaigns to educate the public about the benefits of generic medicines.
• Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra scheme ensures quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all citizens.
• 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.
• 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.
• You can also buy essential medical products, branded or generic medicines online from medkart official website.
• We provide a wide range of specialty drugs, from anti-viral treatments to nephrology drugs, addressing complex medical needs.
• The government and the Pharma sector in unison have managed to effectively harness the power of Information technology to improve efficiency.

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.

Medicines for BP Problems

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.

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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.

Benefits of the Jan Aushadhi Scheme Campaign

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.

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.

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.

Additionally, healthcare professionals should be trained on the efficacy of generics to shift prescribing practices. Once a drug patent expires, multiple pharmaceutical companies can produce and sell the generic version, leading to increased competition and lower prices for consumers. Providing essential drugs and medicines at cost-effective prices is the key focus of Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. 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. Indiangenericprice ensures that all our medications are obtained from certified manufacturers, meeting strict global safety and efficacy guidelines. We aim to make advanced medications affordable and accessible for patients everywhere.

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.

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.

It is a common tactic by which the pharmaceutical industry extends their monopoly on drugs beyond the original patent’s 20 years. Long monopoly of a single company in the US  keeps prices high because generic competition is blocked. This problem gets further aggravated as almost 80% of expenditure on health care is borne by the patients themselves.

ConclusionIn conclusion, the PMBJP scheme has been instrumental in making quality generic medicines available and affordable to all sections of society, especially the economically weaker sections in India. The scheme has been successful in increasing the accessibility of medicines to the masses and has helped in reducing healthcare costs for individuals and the government. However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed, such as ensuring the availability and accessibility of medicines in remote areas. 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. AbstractThis article provides an overview of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) scheme in India. The PMBJP scheme aims to make quality generic medicines available and affordable to all sections of society, especially the economically weaker sections.

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.

Developing countries across the world face several challenges, key among which is providing their people with affordable medicines of high-quality. You can purchase generic medicines at Jan Aushadhi Kendras (government-run stores) and most pharmacies across India. These stores offer a variety of affordable generic alternatives for common medicines.

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.

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.

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.

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.