There has been a gradual rise in health care expenses in India, which is why many families struggle to afford essential medicines. One major solution to this issue is that generic medicines can be taken instead of branded ones. Generic medicines are a cost-effective alternative to the branded drugs available.
Despite skepticism, one needs to understand that the medicines from the generic medicine distributors in Ahmedabad offer the same efficacy, quality as well as safety as their branded counterparts. The trusted generic medicine distributors in Ahmedabad can help you with the right generic medicine instead of the branded ones so that you can tackle this rising price concern.
What are generic medicines?
Simply said, generic medicines are pharmaceutical drugs that have the same active ingredients as their branded counterpart medicines. They’re identical in terms of strength, dosage, safety, and type of administration, as well as for the intended use. However, they’re typically sold at a much lower price because they do not have any added cost of research or development, and neither do they have to add the price of marketing like that of the branded name drugs.
Why are generic medicines cheaper?
The generic medicine distributors in Ahmedabad can offer medicines in re is a significantly less price than the branded medicines because of the following factors –
No extra cost for research and development
Research and development for medicine can take billions of money and the brand name drugs are associated with big research clinics. So, after years of research in clinical trials, of course their costs will add up. The generic drugs, however, are produced after the patent of the drug expires. Therefore, there is no need for additional research, but the effects and the results are known and also you know the right ingredients that can give the exact effect.
Lower marketing expense
Pharmaceutical companies often spend huge amounts on doctor endorsements, promotions, and different kinds of advertisements. However, a generic drug manufacturer does not have to have this kind of expense. Therefore, even if you are buying from the most trusted generic medicine distributors in Ahmedabad, the cost is a fraction of what the counterpart branded medicine might look like.
Competitive pricing
Since there are multiple manufacturers who produce the same kind of generic drug, the competition is also less or let’s say the competition is kept at an optimum level so that the prices are friendly for everyone.
Government initiatives
The Indian government promotes the availability of generic medicines through different schemes, which is where the medicines are offered at an affordable rate.
Are generic medicines as effective as the branded ones?
There is a very common misconception which says that generic medicines are inferior in quality than the prescribed medicines However, with the regulatory bodies like the Drugs Controller General of India or World Health Organization, the authorities ensured that these generic medicines meet the same standard and efficacy as that of the branded ones.
There are some key assurance factors such as bioequivalence, manufacturing standard and approval. All these three steps need to be accomplished in order to be marketed for public use.
According to a 2023 report by the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, it highlighted the generic medicines are 50 to 90% cheaper than the branded counterparts. The bottom line is that it makes treatment more accessible, specially for chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes and heart conditions.
The availability of government supported pharmacies where you can get the generic drugs at a lower rates than that of the retail pharmacies is also another very important step. The life saving drugs for cancer and heart disease are also available at drastically low prices.
Much less out of pocket expenses are there when you can get the generic medicines. This means that you can efficiently manage the treatment for a long period of time if required, without putting any financial strain on the families.
How to ensure that you are buying quality generic medicines?
- Make sure you buy from reputed pharmacies
- Check for DCGI approval
- Get your advice from the doctor or pharmacist
- Be informed about the respective brand names if required
Most common myths
- Generic medicines are less effective – The fact that they contain the same active ingredients as branded drugs and goes through very strict testing, this is an absolute myth.
- Branded medicines are safer – Regulatory authorities make sure that the generic drugs go through the same safety standards as the branded ones, so both of them are equally safe.
- Only low income individuals can get the generic medicines – Any well informed consumer can go for the generic medicines including healthcare professionals and hospitals.
Make important choices so that you can access affordable treatment while insuring the safety as well as effectiveness of the treatment. The Indian government’s initiatives and awareness campaigns can help to bridge the gap and also help you cut down on your medical costs.
