Why Generic Medicine Is The Key To Sustainable Healthcare In Developing Nations?

Growing populations, rising disease burdens, and scarce resources are just a few of the many complicated issues facing the healthcare sector in emerging countries like India. Access to reasonably priced, high-quality healthcare is still one of the most important problems in these environments, affecting millions of people. Families with low and intermediate incomes find it challenging to pay for the necessary treatments due to the skyrocketing costs of branded drugs and healthcare services. According to the World Bank, out-of-pocket medical expenses in India make up an astounding 63% of all healthcare spending, which exacerbates the problem. In order to pay for medical bills, many families must make the painful decision to forgo necessities, which frequently results in debt or unstable finances.

 One of the best ways to address this issue is with generic medications. Generic medications are often 70–90% less expensive than their branded counterparts while providing the same therapeutic advantages. In underdeveloped nations, where government healthcare budgets are frequently constrained and high prescription drug costs have the potential to plunge entire households into poverty, this affordability is essential. Affordable generics have a significant impact on healthcare costs in India; for example, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) estimates that generic medications save Indian customers about INR 5,000 crore a year. India and other developing countries may improve healthcare access, lessen the financial burden on individuals, and make more effective investments in other vital public health sectors by making these reasonably priced medications available.

 Recognizing the Function of Generic Drugs in Healthcare

 A key factor in India, where 63 million people are forced into poverty annually as a result of exorbitant healthcare costs, is the accessibility of generic medications. Branded and generic medications can differ in price by 70–90% in India, with generics frequently costing 30% less than their branded counterparts. The Jan Aushadhi Scheme of the government has played a significant role in making generic medications more widely available. The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has established more than 9,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (stores selling generic medications) nationwide as of 2023. These facilities offer generic medications at costs that are much less expensive than those of branded ones; patients have been reported to save between 50 and 90 percent.Pharmaceutical medications that have the same active components, dosage, safety record, and potency as their branded equivalents are known as generics. 

 Lowering Medical Expenses: A Route to Sustainable Medical Practice

 In India, generic medication adoption is essential to lowering healthcare expenses for both the public and private sectors. A National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) analysis claims that generic medications can save Indian customers up to IRs 5,000 crore a year. By encouraging generics instead of pricey branded drugs, India's healthcare system can become more financially viable by allocating resources to rural healthcare projects, medical equipment, and infrastructure development.Furthermore, inexpensive generics ease the financial burden on people in India, which has one of the highest out-of-pocket healthcare costs in the world (about 63% of overall health expenditures). Many families may be able to escape the medical poverty trap if generics are widely used since they can lower household medication costs. 

 India produces 20% of the world's supply of generic medications by volume, making it the third-largest producer in the world. In addition to offering reasonably priced healthcare locally, this expanding industry boosts the Indian economy by creating jobs and boosting GDP. India can help local pharmaceutical enterprises and build a self-sustaining ecosystem that benefits the populace and the economy by promoting the manufacture and use of generic medications. In addition, India's generics sector is a significant actor on the international scene. The fact that Indian generic medications support the healthcare systems of numerous developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America highlights India's status as the "pharmacy of the world."

 There is no denying generic medicine's contribution to India's sustainable healthcare paradigm. By prioritising quality, affordability, and accessibility, India may lessen the burden of healthcare and establish a system that caters to all socioeconomic groups. India is headed toward universal health care with steady government support, more knowledge, and bolstered confidence in generics. In addition to improving healthcare sustainability, the use of generic medications will serve as a template for other developing countries aiming to lower the cost of high-quality healthcare for everyone.

Dr. Sujit Paul

Guest Author Group CEO, Zota Healthcare