Abstract :
The Indian pharmaceutical industry often referred to as the "pharmacy of the world," is a complex landscape shaped by a wide range of branded and generic drug formulations. This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of generic and branded drugs in the Indian market, focusing on their pricing, quality, accessibility, and public perception. Generic drugs, being bioequivalent to branded counterparts, offer a cost-effective alternative, yet they often face skepticism regarding efficacy and safety due to limited consumer awareness and marketing disparities. Branded drugs, on the other hand, dominate prescriptions, driven largely by aggressive promotion and physician preferences. The study explores the regulatory framework governing drug approvals and quality assurance in India, particularly the role of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and the impact of the Jan Aushadhi scheme in promoting generic drugs. Market data and consumer behavior are analyzed through surveys and secondary sources to understand pricing trends and brand loyalty. The findings reveal significant price variations between branded and generic drugs, despite similar therapeutic outcomes, indicating a need for more robust public education and policy interventions. The research underscores the importance of strengthening regulatory mechanisms, improving the quality perception of generics, and ensuring physician accountability to encourage rational drug prescriptions. This comparative study provides insights into how the Indian pharmaceutical sector can balance affordability and quality, ultimately contributing to better healthcare access across socio-economic segments. Future research may focus on patient outcomes and long-term health impacts to further validate the role of generics in mainstream healthcare.
Keyword :
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