Why Pay More? Generic Medicines Offer the Same Quality at a Fraction of the Cost

Patients suffering from chronic illnesses can significantly reduce their medical expenses by opting for generic medicines instead of expensive branded drugs. According to health experts, generic medicines contain the same Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) as branded medicines and are manufactured under identical international quality standards. As a result, their effectiveness, safety, and therapeutic outcomes remain the same, despite the lower price. Experts advise the public not to be influenced by common misconceptions surrounding generic medicines.

The price difference is largely due to branding, advertising, packaging, and promotional expenses incurred by pharmaceutical companies, not because of differences in quality. Patients have the right to ask doctors to mention the generic (API) name along with the brand name in prescriptions. They can also use the Jan Aushadhi Sugam mobile app to compare medicine prices and locate nearby Jan Aushadhi Kendras or authorized generic medicine stores, where quality medicines are available at 50–80% lower prices.