
The ongoing debate around branded versus generic medicines in India has once again climbed the headlines, nearly a decade after Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed a law to mandate doctors to prescribe using only generic (salt) names, with the intent to make healthcare more affordable. While the original 2017 announcement sparked intense policy discussions and resistance from stakeholders, the issue remains unresolved even in 2025.
At the core of the matter lies a critical question: Can we ensure affordable access to medicines without compromising on quality and trust? The answer—based on recent developments in the pharma sector and regulatory policy—is both complex and evolving.





