By Yaadvinder Waahad
(SAsian independent) In today’s world, especially in India, medicines available fulfill nearly 98% of treatment needs. Yet, the networks of drug dealers and mafias are so strong that freedom from diseases for the public has become almost impossible—because clever pharmaceutical traders enjoy government “blessings.” That’s why fraudulent medicine sellers keep selling soil at the price of gold. The pharmaceutical business world is not what it appears to be… the reality lies in what is hidden but felt. Another tragic aspect is that many chemists from whom we buy medicines often run shops under someone else’s license. In most cases, they are not degree holders themselves; everything runs on friendship and favors.
Branded vs. Generic Medicines
The branding “game” on the same salt has sparked movements across India and the world, demanding that generic medicines reach as many patients as possible to weaken the drug mafia’s grip. When a scientist patents a medicine after research, they are paid for their work. The pharmaceutical company that manufactures and markets it spends heavily on advertising to boost sales.
Cancer Medicines—A Billionaire’s Business
For example, a cancer injection worth ₹3,000 is sold by unqualified chemists for ₹9,000 to ₹17,000. A family with a cancer patient won’t bargain in such desperate times. Thus, from companies to agents, everyone exploits patients and their caregivers. A strip of medicine that costs distributors ₹8.80 reaches chemists at ₹26–28, but is sold to patients for ₹80–88. The same principle applies to medicines priced at ₹860 per strip. Ultimately, the patient is looted.
Hope in Generic Medicines
If a less-known or non-branded company produces the same salt, a strip that costs ₹100 could be sold for ₹12–15, after cutting advertising and middlemen’s luxuries. Even then, the mafia profits at every level. But due to government leniency and corrupt leaders, this system is not fully implemented. Think about it—how do “Jan Aushadhi” centers sell cheap medicines? Clearly, there’s manipulation and collusion between governments and dealers.
The question stands tall: until generic medicines are widely produced and made accessible, will people in India keep dying without treatment? Won’t anyone write against this loot system? Won’t there be a movement? Ministers claim only 10% die due to lack of treatment, but the truth is 76.9% die because they don’t get medicines in time.
Now, the need is for youth to awaken, social workers to act, and instead of hollow protests, take concrete steps to expose the drug mafia and the “black sheep” of the pharmaceutical trade. Medicine sellers are sitting ready to loot us—we must stay alert.
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