Alappuzha: More people in Kerala are shifting from expensive branded medicines to low-cost generic medicines, making the state the second-highest contributor to Jan Aushadhi sales in India, according to new data released by the Department of Pharmaceuticals.

Kerala recorded ₹18.12 crore in sales last month, while Uttar Pradesh topped the list with ₹19.55 crore worth of medicines sold. Officials said both states have been closely competing in sales figures, and Kerala has even reached sales of up to ₹28 crore. The state has also ranked first in some months, including April 2025.

Generic medicine sales rising in Kerala

Growing trust in generic medicines is being seen as the main reason for the increase in sales. Studies showing that branded and generic medicines offer similar quality have encouraged more people to choose affordable alternatives.

Experts say the price difference, often 50 to 80 percent cheaper than branded medicines, has played a major role in rising demand.

Between 2019 and 2024, nearly 50 percent of India’s generic medicine sales came from Kerala, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka combined.

From 449 medicines to over 2,000 options

When Jan Aushadhi centres first launched, only 449 types of generic medicines were available. Over the last decade, that number has grown to more than 2,110 medicines.

In addition, around 315 surgical products are now available at lower prices through Jan Aushadhi stores.

Officials said more medicines are expected to enter the market as patent periods for branded drugs expire, allowing other companies to manufacture generic versions.

Expansion of Jan Aushadhi centres in Kerala

The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) scheme was first introduced in 2008 by the Manmohan Singh government and later relaunched in 2015 by the Narendra Modi government. In Kerala, Jan Aushadhi outlets started in 2016 with just two centres.

Today, the state has 1,743 Jan Aushadhi centres operating under central government control. With demand increasing, private companies have also begun opening generic medicine supply chains across the state.

Why generic medicines are gaining popularity

Health experts say the shift is driven by affordability, awareness and improved trust among patients. Many buyers now prefer generic medicines for long-term treatments due to lower costs without compromising quality.