Generic drugs make it affordable

Lucknow: Three months ago, Priya Sharma, a homemaker from Aliganj, was pleasantly surprised at a Jan Aushadhi Kendra when she was charged only Rs 800 for her father's monthly heart and diabetes medication — a nearly 60% reduction from the Rs 2,000 she had been paying. "I was in disbelief and even asked the teller to recheck the amount, but he explained that the medicines were generic, not branded, which is why they cost less," she said. When she inquired about their quality, he assured her that both branded and generic medicines contain the same active ingredients and are equally effective. Priya Sharma is not alone. Many people remain unaware that generic medicines can reduce monthly healthcare expenses by an average of 40–60% and instead continue paying hefty amounts for branded drugs.Faculty member of KGMU's pharmacology department, Prof Rakesh Dixit, explained that in India, branded medicines are costlier due to patent protection and marketing expenses. Once patents expire, generic versions with the same active ingredients and quality standards become available. "Since generics bypass the initial research and marketing costs, they are significantly cheaper, making essential healthcare more affordable — especially through initiatives like Jan Aushadhi Kendras and Amrit Pharmacy," he added. According to representatives of Amrit Pharmacy, there are four Amrit stores in Lucknow — three at KGMU and one at Kalyan Singh Super Specialty Cancer Institute. Additionally, the city has around 18 Jan Aushadhi Kendras at various locations, while DavaIndia, a generic pharmacy retail chain, operates 29 outlets. Health department officials emphasised that Jan Aushadhi medicines cost 50–80% less than branded medicines available in the open market. Akhil Bhartiya Pharmacist Association vice-president Atul Kumar Singh said these medicines are procured exclusively from World Health Organisation – Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP) certified manufacturers to ensure quality. Each batch undergoes rigorous testing at laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) to maintain high standards. "There is no difference in quality," he added. Atul Singh, a retired school-teacher from Gomtinagar, struggled with high medicine costs for arthritis and high blood pressure. His monthly medical expenses were around Rs 3,500, a significant financial burden. On a friend's advice, he visited a Jan Aushadhi Kendra and found the same medicines at nearly 70% lower prices. "I now spend only Rs 1,000 on my medicines. This has made a big difference in managing my household expenses," he said.Lucknow: Three months ago, Priya Sharma, a homemaker from Aliganj, was pleasantly surprised at a Jan Aushadhi Kendra when she was charged only Rs 800 for her father's monthly heart and diabetes medication — a nearly 60% reduction from the Rs 2,000 she had been paying. "I was in disbelief and even asked the teller to recheck the amount, but he explained that the medicines were generic, not branded, which is why they cost less," she said. When she inquired about their quality, he assured her that both branded and generic medicines contain the same active ingredients and are equally effective. Priya Sharma is not alone. Many people remain unaware that generic medicines can reduce monthly healthcare expenses by an average of 40–60% and instead continue paying hefty amounts for branded drugs.Faculty member of KGMU's pharmacology department, Prof Rakesh Dixit, explained that in India, branded medicines are costlier due to patent protection and marketing expenses. Once patents expire, generic versions with the same active ingredients and quality standards become available. "Since generics bypass the initial research and marketing costs, they are significantly cheaper, making essential healthcare more affordable — especially through initiatives like Jan Aushadhi Kendras and Amrit Pharmacy," he added. According to representatives of Amrit Pharmacy, there are four Amrit stores in Lucknow — three at KGMU and one at Kalyan Singh Super Specialty Cancer Institute. Additionally, the city has around 18 Jan Aushadhi Kendras at various locations, while DavaIndia, a generic pharmacy retail chain, operates 29 outlets. Health department officials emphasised that Jan Aushadhi medicines cost 50–80% less than branded medicines available in the open market. Akhil Bhartiya Pharmacist Association vice-president Atul Kumar Singh said these medicines are procured exclusively from World Health Organisation – Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP) certified manufacturers to ensure quality. Each batch undergoes rigorous testing at laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) to maintain high standards. "There is no difference in quality," he added. Atul Singh, a retired school-teacher from Gomtinagar, struggled with high medicine costs for arthritis and high blood pressure. His monthly medical expenses were around Rs 3,500, a significant financial burden. On a friend's advice, he visited a Jan Aushadhi Kendra and found the same medicines at nearly 70% lower prices. "I now spend only Rs 1,000 on my medicines. This has made a big difference in managing my household expenses," he said.