Building a safety net to protect people’s health

The true measure of a nation’s progress is often reflected in how easily its citizens can access basic necessities like health care.

- JP Nadda

For decades, the high cost of medicines has remained a major financial barrier to health and wellness for millions in India. In this context, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBIJP), an initiative under the leadership of Prime Minister (PM) Naren-dra Modi to provide quality generic medicines at significantly lower prices than their branded counterparts, has brought about a profound and systematic transformation by addressing a critical gap in public health care.

Globally, generic medicines are a cornerstone of accessible health care systems. They account for nearly 80-90% of prescriptions worldwide and have played a crucial role in expanding access to essential medicines. Though generic medicines may differ in packaging, labelling, and inactive ingredients, studies have shown that these variations do not affect their therapeutic effectiveness. They are equivalent to brand-name drugs in terms of dosage, safety, strength, quality, and intended use, adhering to the same rigorous production and quality standards.