10 Facts About Prescription Drug Prices India

3. Generic medicines drive lower prices

Generics are central to India’s low-cost-drug story. The country has a massive generics industry that produces off-patent medicines at scale, keeping per-unit costs down. Pharmacists often stock multiple generic options for the same active ingredient, and when doctors or patients accept a generic, the savings can be large compared with branded alternatives. Manufacturing scale and competition among many producers push prices lower because companies chase volume and efficiency rather than premium branding. For households, choosing a generic can cut medicine bills substantially, especially for chronic conditions needing long-term treatment. India’s supply-chain strength also helps: local production reduces transportation and import expenses. All this means that, for many common drugs, a generic bought at a local chemist offers excellent value while meeting required safety and quality standards.