THE MAN BEHIND LOW-COST DRUGS

Mankind Pharma's spectacular growth is often attributed to the Chairman & Whole-Time Director-Ramesh Juneja's-endeavour to make healthcare affordable and accessible

- BY NEETU CHANDRA SHARMA

Upon meeting billionaire businessman and Mankind Pharma Chairman Ramesh Juneja at his office in Okhla, New Delhi, one gets a sense that there is something different about him. Despite his success, he remains warm like that day’s winter sunlight, unassuming and grounded.

“Money can make you rich, but it cannot make you big,” he says, reflecting his belief that true success is about impact rather than just financial gains. Juneja, 69, maintains the simplicity of his early entrepreneurial days. He is the force behind Mankind Pharma, a company built on affordability and accessibility in healthcare—principles that continue to define its growth.

BUILT ON AFFORDABILITY

His motivation to make medicines more affordable came from personal experiences. Recalling the early days, he shares a story that shaped his pricing strategy. “In the past, tuberculosis treatment was incredibly expensive—costing ₹30 per day when the average monthly income was just ₹15-20. It was nearly impossible for low-income families to afford it," he says. Juneja then resolved to make medicines more accessible. This commitment also inspired the name 'Mankind Pharma', reinforcing its mission to serve people.

"There was significant resistance, and questions were raised about the drugs' quality. But we remained firm, provided independent test results, and proved our credibility," he says. The strategy worked-Mankind Pharma gained trust among doctors and patients and steadily expanded its reach.

Initially focused on general medicines and painkillers, the company gradually moved into chronic disease segments such as cardiology, diabetes, and psychiatry. By 2002, it had broadened its portfolio. Today, it offers over 500 products across multiple therapeutic areas.