Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana National Portal of India

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. 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. With years of experience and partnerships across the pharmaceutical industry, we guarantee timely and secure delivery. We provide a wide range of specialty drugs, from anti-viral treatments to nephrology drugs, addressing complex medical needs. 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.

How do generic medicines promote health equity?

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. The Scheme is being implemented through the Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI), under the administrative control of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India. Over the years, India has developed a strong capability in producing quality branded and generic medicines in most of the therapeutic categories, evolving from a mere Rs 1,500 crores industry in 1980 to a more than Rs 1,19,000 crores industry in 2012.

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

This public health approach to setting strict patent standards is in line with international trade rules and encourages timely entry of affordable generics into the market, driving prices down. Over the years, citizens have collectively saved up to Rs. 20,000 crores, a testament to the scheme’s impact on reducing healthcare expenditure. Collaborating with 36 distributors selected across states and union territo-ries has further bolstered the supply chain structure. 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. 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.

Price difference between generics and branded medicines

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.

Are generic medicines safe and effective?

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.

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana

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. 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. 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.

Medicines for BP Problems

The fixation of ceiling prices on medicines has resulted in a total saving of USD 392 million since May 2014. 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, Uttar Pradesh, Shri Jai Parata Singh and several dignitaries from fields of medicine, pharmaceuticals and other were present on the occasion.

How do generic medicines support government healthcare initiatives in India?

More than 70% of the Indian population lives in rural areas,  of which 35% are below the poverty line. Generic medicines are vital for providing affordable healthcare to millions in India. With initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana, the country is moving towards a future where quality medicines are available to all, regardless of financial constraints. However, more awareness, policy changes, and efforts to improve public perception are needed to fully unlock the potential of generic medicines in India. By offering affordable and accessible healthcare options, generic medicines play a critical role in lowering healthcare costs while ensuring high standards of safety and effectiveness. This law fostered the growth of a strong domestic pharmaceutical industry focused on producing affordable generic drugs.

• Comparable challenges in affordability and availability resonate with international studies, emphasizing the need for continuous pricing policy review and effective public health policies.
• AbstractThis article provides an overview of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) scheme in India.
• Medkart Pharmacy offers informational content on various health topics, promoting awareness and well-being among our customers.
• Contact us today for bulk orders and learn more about how we support the mission of affordable healthcare.
• According to World Health Organization estimates (2008), 65% of India‟s population does not have access to modern health care.

Price difference between generics and branded medicines

Recently, these initiatives have already been started by a few state governments in India. 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.

Global Reach

• India also has a large pool of talented scientists and engineers who have the potential to lead the industry ahead to greater heights.
• 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.
• Customer satisfaction, rooted in trust and clear communication, echoes concerns highlighted in global re-search, with a shared emphasis on addressing store-related issues.
• This law fostered the growth of a strong domestic pharmaceutical industry focused on producing affordable generic drugs.
• You can also buy essential medical products, branded or generic medicines online from medkart official website.
• Providing essential drugs and medicines at cost-effective prices is the key focus of Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

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.

The availability of generic drugs fosters competition among pharmaceutical companies, which drives innovation and encourages more affordable pricing across the board. 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. 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.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• India already has the second highest number of US FDA approved facilities and labour costs in Indian are significantly lower than other manufacturing hubs.
• 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.
• It is up to you to establish the efficiency, validity and efficacy of these traditional medicines, using globally established experimental protocols.
• Despite their potential to make healthcare affordable and accessible, generic medicines in India face multiple challenges.

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. India has undertaken a long and arduous, yet rewarding journey in Pharmacology, from the “Charak Samhita” of traditional Indian medicine system, to becoming the third largest drug manufacturer in the world, in terms of volume, in the field of modern medicine. I have been buying prostate cancer medicine Abiraterone for my dad regularly with them.

Lack of awareness

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. 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. The government and the Pharma sector in unison have managed to effectively harness the power of Information technology to improve efficiency. Under the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Policy, as on December 15, 2016, ceiling price of 853 formulations are under price control.

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. 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. Medicines in almost every therapeutic category are sold primarily as branded drugs, at disproportionately high prices. There is still a large section of the population which finds it difficult to afford these high-priced medicines.

India prevents ‘evergreening’ and makes affordable generics possible.

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. Rural health programmes, lifesaving drugs and preventive vaccines should also receive attention from policy makers and Pharma companies alike. 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. 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.

Steps taken for Promotion of Generic Medicines

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.

Why Are Generic Medicines Cheaper?

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.

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.

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 aromasin price in uk 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.

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 history of generic medicines in India reflects the country’s commitment to ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare. 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. In recent years, generic medicines in India have emerged as a powerful tool in making healthcare more affordable and accessible to millions of people.

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.”

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. PMBJP seeks to keep product price within 50% of branded product price to make it affordable for all, especially the poor.