Access to healthcare is a recognised fundamental human right by World Health Organisation. India is home to the largest population in the world. Ensuring access to quality healthcare to all its citizens for free is a challenge the the country continues to grapple with. This is why, individuals have to bear the financial burden for securing quality healthcare for themselves.
Healthcare cost is one of the major reasons why people are often unable to come out of poverty. Underprivileged individuals, who often live in unhygienic conditions, are more prone to get sick. For them, taking a leave to recover is not always an option, which is why they need to rush to get medical aid. This sets them back significantly, causing them to stay in hand-to-mouth existence.
More than 35 per cent of poor Indian households experience exorbitant health expenditures. Adding to this, the medical inflation in India reached at 14 per cent in 2024. As a result, around 23 per cent of Indians have to resort to loans to take care of medical expenses. In such a scenario, generic medicines often provide an elegant solution to the affordability crisis of medical cost without affecting the quality.
What are Generic Medicines?
Generic Medicines are the copy of branded medicines with identical active ingredients, dosage forms, strengths, and therapeutic effects. These medicines are marketed without brand names, after the patent of the original branded medicine expires.
The companies who create generic medicines do not have to spend any money on research and development, or clinical trials of the drug. Instead of reinventing the wheel, they are just replicating its design. This is why, they can afford to sell these drugs at a much cheaper rate. In fact, often the prices of generic medicines are 80-85 per cent lower than their branded counterparts.
Despite their affordability, these medicines are not sold as extensively as the branded medicines because of ill repute and myths. This is mainly because consumers are led to believe that cheap medicines are ineffective. This perception is often promoted by healthcare practitioners as well, who are paid commission by the big Pharma companies for prescribing their products.
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)
With an aim to spread awareness about generic medicines, March 7 is observed as Jan Aushadhi Diwas in India. The day is part of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), which aims to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the public.
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) was launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers in collaboration with Central Pharma Public Sector Undertakings. The initiative aims to:
– Make high-quality medicines affordable and accessible to all.
– Provide medicines through dedicated outlets known as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs).
– Reduce dependency on branded medicines, which are significantly costlier than their generic counterparts.
– Enhance public awareness regarding the benefits of generic drugs.
