Role of Accessibility and Cost in Consumer Adoption of Generic Medicines in Bhandara District

Abstract

The subsequent rising health care cost as well as an out of pocket cost of medicine is a quite crucial matter in India particularly in the semi-urban and rural regions such as the Bhandara District. In this aspect, generic drugs have emerged as one of the potential substitutes since they are far more expensive and can offer the same therapeutic effect as branded medicine. In this paper, the accessibility and cost as determinants of consumer uptake of generic drug in Bhandara District will be looked at. This paper is an empirical study based on the primary data collected through administration of structured questionnaires among the consumers and secondary data through reports by the government and literature available. Part of the problem that the study cites is the availability of generic drugs under the government schemes, like Jan Aushadhi Kendras, its affordability compared to that of branded medicine, its awareness levels, and the perception of its customers about quality and functionality. The findings indicate that cost is one of the leaders in consumer preference as generic drugs may be significantly cheaper (as well as several times cheaper than that of branded drug) and therefore decrease the cost that would be incurred by a household. Adoption has also been encouraged through provision of availability based on improvement on the distribution networks although there is disparity in availability in certain regions, where low awareness is the obstacle to adoption. The study also indicates that as the cost of drugs decreases so does the rate of medication compliance particularly among chronically ill patients. The paper concludes by conclusively finalizing that the adoption is heavily dependant on the cost advantage but enhanced accessibility and heightened awareness campaign can secure an increased usage of generic medicines. The policies suggest that the supply chain should be distributed better and this is through the provision of more Jan aushadhi shops in the low coverage areas as well as special educational programs to generate customer confidence. The results are contribution to the greater discussion of affordable healthcare and provide some suggestions to the policy-makers, practitioners, and researchers who are concerned with the rural and semi-urban healthcare.