Srinagar, Aug 4, KNT: In the absence of a government-backed segregation and awareness policy distinguishing ethical from generic medicines, the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the economically vulnerable, continue to suffer under the burden of inflated medical expenses, while retailers in the region allegedly make massive profits by exploiting the loopholes.
Generic medicines, which are significantly cheaper and produced by the same leading pharmaceutical companies as their branded counterparts, such as Cipla, Sun Pharma, and Dr. Reddy’s, are being sold at prices close to or even equivalent to those of costlier branded medicines, all under the radar of public awareness and government regulation.
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One of the doctors told the news agency Kashmir News Trust on condition of anonymity that in most other states, common drugs such as Paracetamol, Amoxicillin, Cefixime, Escitalopram, and Gabapentin are available at 40–50% discounted rates when sold as generics. However, in Kashmir, retailers are reportedly offering only a meagre 10% discount, defeating the very purpose of making affordable healthcare accessible to all.
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Another medico argued that this pricing disparity not only violates consumer trust but also burdens the poor who are forced to pay high prices for drugs they could otherwise obtain at much lower rates. What’s more concerning is that these medicines, whether ethical or generic, contain the same active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), manufactured with equal quality standards by reputed pharmaceutical brands.
One insider from the pharmaceutical distribution chain revealed that a generic strip of medicine that a retailer acquires from a wholesaler at just ₹40 is being sold to patients at ₹140, a shocking 250% markup. “In the name of generics, retail chemists are making 100% or more in profit. And since there is no enforced distinction or public awareness, the buyer pays blindly,” said the source, requesting anonymity.
Unlike in other states where regulatory mechanisms monitor pricing and ensure labeling clarity, Kashmir lacks a robust framework that separates ethical and generic drug sales. There is also no transparency in pricing on packaging or at the retail level, which keeps patients in the dark.
Insiders stress the urgent need for the government to enforce a medicine segregation and labeling policy, wherein generic medicines are clearly marked, priced separately, and sold with transparent billing. Additionally, there is a growing demand for public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the difference between ethical and generic medicines and their respective costs.
“The government must step in to regulate this space and ensure fair trade practices. Medicines are not luxury items; they are a lifeline for people, especially the poor. This unchecked profiteering must end,” said a local pharmacist who supports stricter oversight.
Until a strong policy is implemented and accountability is ensured, patients in Kashmir will likely continue paying ethical prices for generic medicines, unaware that their basic right to affordable healthcare is being quietly denied. [KNT]
