Generic vs Branded Medicines
जेनेरिक बनाम ब्रांडेड दवाइयाँ — जानिए क्या अंतर है
Understand why generic medicines are just as effective as branded ones, how the PMBJP scheme ensures quality, and how you can save 50–90% on your medicine bills without compromising on health.
What Are Generic Medicines?
A generic medicine is a pharmaceutical drug that contains the same active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) as a brand-name drug. It has the same dosage form, strength, route of administration, and intended use as the branded original.
When a pharmaceutical company discovers a new drug, it receives a patent that typically lasts 20 years. After the patent expires, other manufacturers can produce the same medicine — these are called generics. In India, many generics are available even before patent expiry through provisions for essential medicines.
The key difference? Price. Generic medicines do not carry the cost of drug discovery research, clinical trials, or expensive marketing campaigns. They simply use a proven, well-established formula — passing the savings directly to you.
💡 Key Fact
In India, the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 mandates that all generic medicines must meet the same quality, safety, and efficacy standards as branded medicines. The law treats them as equivalent.
📋 The Two Are Identical In…
- Active ingredient (salt / molecule)
- Dosage strength (e.g., 500mg)
- Dosage form (tablet, capsule, syrup)
- Route of administration (oral, IV, etc.)
- Therapeutic effect and clinical outcome
- Safety profile and side effects
- Quality standards (WHO-GMP)
💰 The Only Difference Is…
- Price (50–90% lower)
- Brand name and packaging
- Marketing and advertising spend
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Active Ingredient (API) | e.g., Paracetamol 500mg | e.g., Paracetamol 500mg | |
| Therapeutic Effect | Reduces fever and pain | Reduces fever and pain | |
| Quality Standards | WHO-GMP certified | WHO-GMP certified | |
| Safety & Side Effects | Same safety profile | Same safety profile | |
| Price (Avg.) | ₹30–₹200+ per strip | ₹2–₹30 per strip | |
| Marketing Cost | Included in MRP | None | |
| Brand Name | Crocin, Calpol, Dolo, etc. | Paracetamol (generic name) | |
| Availability | Any pharmacy | Jan Aushadhi Kendras |
How PMBJP Ensures Quality
Every Jan Aushadhi medicine goes through a rigorous, multi-step quality assurance pipeline before reaching your hands.
BPPI Procurement
BPPI (Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India) tenders to empanel only WHO-GMP certified manufacturers. Suppliers must meet strict technical and quality criteria.
NABL Lab Testing
Every medicine batch is tested at NABL-accredited laboratories for identity, assay (potency), dissolution, impurity profile, and microbiological limits.
Quality Control
BPPI maintains a dedicated Quality Control cell that conducts random sampling and surprise inspections at manufacturing units and Kendras.
Pharmacovigilance
A post-marketing surveillance system tracks adverse events. Any quality issue triggers immediate batch recall across all Kendras nationwide.
Real Savings — See the Difference
Paracetamol 500mg (10 tablets)
Branded MRP
₹30–₹40
Jan Aushadhi
₹3–₹5
Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid 625mg (10 tabs)
Branded MRP
₹220–₹250
Jan Aushadhi
₹30–₹40
Amlodipine 5mg (10 tablets)
Branded MRP
₹45–₹60
Jan Aushadhi
₹4–₹6
Metformin 500mg (10 tablets)
Branded MRP
₹25–₹35
Jan Aushadhi
₹2–₹4
Omeprazole 20mg (10 capsules)
Branded MRP
₹50–₹70
Jan Aushadhi
₹5–₹7
Cetirizine 10mg (10 tablets)
Branded MRP
₹35–₹50
Jan Aushadhi
₹3–₹5
Common Myths — Busted
Don't let misinformation stop you from saving on medicines.
✅ Generic medicines are legally approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). They contain the exact same API as branded drugs and are manufactured at WHO-GMP certified facilities.
✅ The lower price is because there are no R&D costs, marketing expenses, or brand premiums. The government caps the price through NPPA. Quality is never compromised.
✅ Generic medicines meet the same bio-equivalence standards as branded drugs — they dissolve and act in the body at the same rate and to the same extent.
✅ The Medical Council of India (MCI) actually recommends that doctors prescribe generic names. Many doctors prescribe brands out of habit or patient preference.
✅ PMBJP is for ALL citizens. Whether you have insurance or not, whether you are rich or poor — everyone benefits from lower medicine prices. Many doctors and pharmacists themselves buy Jan Aushadhi medicines.
How to Get Your Medicines
Get a Prescription
Visit your doctor and get a prescription. Ask your doctor to write the generic name (salt name) of the medicine.
Visit Our Kendra
Come to our Jan Aushadhi Kendra with your prescription. Our trained staff will help you find the right generic equivalent.
Save Big
Buy the same quality medicine at 50–90% less. No compromise on quality, safety, or efficacy. Pay via cash or UPI.
Start Saving Today
Browse our catalogue of 1,800+ quality generic medicines or compare prices to see exactly how much you can save.