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. A landmark moment in India’s pharmaceutical history came with the Indian Patents Act of 1970. The act abolished product patents on drugs and allowed only process patents for a limited period.
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) : Making Quality Medicines Affordable and Accessible in India
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. 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.
Benefits of generic drugs
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. 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. “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.”
Challenges Faced by Generic Medicines in India or Problems with Generic Drugs in India
But the quality of the generic drugs is never compromised.These are cost-effective only as research and development, and drug discovery costs are not involved in the case of generic drugs. It can depend on the clinical data presented by the innovator’s company for the safety profile of the medicine. One of the main reasons to support generic medicine in India is the low cost of generic medicines.
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- 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.
- To address this issue government central government started Jan Aushadhi (Medicine for the masses) programme in 2008 with the objective of providing quality medicines at affordable prices.
- 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.
- Our extensive catalog includes specialized drugs that cater to serious conditions such as HIV, Hepatitis, Cancer, and more.
- The Atharva veda is a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom in the field of medicine.
This research explores the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana (PMJAY) and its impact on im-proving healthcare drug accessibility, affordability, efficacy, and customer satisfaction through the provision of generic medicines in India. The literature review examines consumer perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes toward generic drugs, highlighting the potential of such initia-tives while acknowledging existing challenges. The objective of the research is to assess the effectiveness, accessibility, affordability, availabil-ity, and customer satisfaction of generic medicines available under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana (PMJAY). Also, a visit to a Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra was done to evaluate the operational of the scheme. Findings reveal the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana (PMJAY) success in providing affordable medicines to underserved populations, generating cost savings, garnering positive feedback from customers, and making them available easily. However, it has been observed that low awareness and misconceptions remain significant hurdles.
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This meant that Indian pharmaceutical companies could legally reverse-engineer and produce generic versions of patented drugs by using a different manufacturing process. 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. So it is not only the responsibility of the government to support generics, but we all should also take the initiative to support generics.
Some of the key benefits of the Jan Aushadhi Yojana include:
Efficacy refers to the ability of medicines to produce desired therapeutic effects under ideal conditions. Availability involves the presence of essen-tial medicines in appropriate forms and quantities at healthcare facilities. Customer satisfaction assessed whether expectations regarding quality and experience were met.
Lack of awareness
The primary objective of the study is to assess the Effective-ness, Accessibility, Affordability, Availability, and Customer Satisfaction of generic medicines in the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana. 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). Generic medicines are produced after the patent on a branded drug expires, allowing multiple manufacturers to make the same drug. This competition, along with the lack of R&D and marketing costs, significantly reduces the price of generic medicines.
On Your Medicine Bills By Switching To Generic Medicines
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. 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. Our extensive catalog includes specialized drugs that cater to serious conditions such as HIV, Hepatitis, Cancer, and more.
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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. 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. 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.
Some of the key benefits of the Jan Aushadhi Yojana include:
On the other hand, India’s policy and lawmakers have identified generic competition as the strongest and most effective force to reduce drug prices. Having fewer patents in India means more generic competition, which means more affordable medicines for people and governments in developing countries. The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) was launched to promote the use of generic medicines and reduce healthcare costs for the masses.
India prevents ‘evergreening’ and makes affordable generics possible.
With the vision to provide quality generic medicines to all citizens, the government’s Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana brings this concept to reality. 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.
- In recent years, generic medicines in India have emerged as a powerful tool in making healthcare more affordable and accessible to millions of people.
- These companies began to challenge the dominance of global pharmaceutical giants by offering the same medicines at significantly reduced prices.
- It is aimed at filing and then obtaining separate patents – referred to as ‘secondary patents’ – relating to different aspects of the same medicine.
- 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.
- 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.
- The Vice President said that apart from being the world leader in generic medicines, India should promote Indian systems of Medicine.
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. They are accepted globally and are of the same quality with a lesser cost as compared to branded drugs. 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.
Steps taken for Promotion of Generic Medicines
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. 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. Medkart Pharmacy offers informational content on various health topics, promoting awareness and well-being among our customers. 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.
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. 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.
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. Jan Aushadhi Scheme was launched in November 2008 by the Department of medicinal, Ministry of Chemicals and Diseases, Government of India. The Government revamped ‘Jan Aushadhi Scheme as ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana’ (PMJAY) in September 2015.
TBI Blogs: 5 Reasons Why India Is the ‘Pharmacy’ of the Developing World
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 revolade price philippines of Not for Profits but with Minimal Profits. PMBJP seeks to keep product price within 50% of branded product price to make it affordable for all, especially the poor.
- 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.
- This regulatory oversight helps maintain public trust in generic drugs and ensures that they are as effective as their branded counterparts.
- Yes, generic medicines are required to meet the same safety, quality, and efficacy standards as branded medicines.
- The article also highlights the challenges faced by the PMBJP scheme in ensuring the availability and accessibility of medicines in remote areas.
- The AIDS crisis in the late 1990s further highlighted India’s role in the global healthcare system.
- Additionally, the scheme has extended coverage to senior citizens aged 70 and above.
- 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.
- Generic drugs are tested rigorously to ensure they meet the same safety and efficacy standards as brand-name drugs.
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.
As previously mentioned, generic medicines are far cheaper than branded drugs, allowing patients to afford treatments for chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases without financial strain. 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. Indiangenericprice ensures that all our medications are obtained from certified manufacturers, meeting strict global safety and efficacy guidelines.
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. 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.
- 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.
- This research explores the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana (PMJAY) and its impact on im-proving healthcare drug accessibility, affordability, efficacy, and customer satisfaction through the provision of generic medicines in India.
- Medicines in almost every therapeutic category are sold primarily as branded drugs, at disproportionately high prices.
- 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.
- Generic medicines play a crucial role in making healthcare more affordable and accessible.
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. Despite their potential to make healthcare affordable and accessible, generic medicines in India face multiple challenges. Addressing issues related to quality assurance, regulatory enforcement, public awareness, and the perception of generics is essential for improving their acceptance. By overcoming these obstacles, India can better harness the power of generic drugs to benefit its healthcare system and ensure equitable access to essential medicines. By the 1990s, India had become one of the largest suppliers of generic medicines globally.
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. Regarding non-communicable diseases (NCDs), he outlined considerable progress in the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke.
We aim to make advanced medications affordable and accessible for patients everywhere. 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. 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. It is a common tactic by which the pharmaceutical industry extends their monopoly on drugs beyond the original patent’s 20 years.
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. 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. 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 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. Quality medicines at affordable prices are now available to the poor and disadvantaged through the “Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan aushadhi Kendras”.
This regulatory oversight helps maintain public trust in generic drugs and ensures that they are as effective as their branded counterparts. 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. 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. Today, India is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of generic medicines, accounting for about 20% of the global supply.
‘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. 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.
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