Generic medicines are affordable alternatives to branded drugs, defined by agencies like the WHO, FDA, and EMA as bioequivalent to innovator products. They are introduced after the expiration of patents, providing the same quality, safety, and efficacy as reference drugs but at lower costs.  Globally, nearly one-third of the population lacks access to essential medicines, with figures higher in parts of Africa and Asia. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), out-of-pocket (OOP) spending on medicines remains a significant barrier. In India, for example, medicines constitute 70% of household healthcare expenditure, pushing millions into poverty.  

Generic medicines help reduce healthcare costs. For instance, Sweden's mandatory generic substitution policy significantly decreased patient co-payments and subsidized costs. Similarly, European countries rely on generics to sustain healthcare systems, achieving substantial savings while ensuring accessibility. Improving access to generic medicines requires policy measures such as public investment in healthcare, promoting generic substitution, and reducing reliance on private markets. This shift can mitigate medical impoverishment, enhance treatment compliance, and support universal health coverage.  

Generic medicines are vital for reducing healthcare costs, improving access, and achieving equitable public health outcomes, especially in resource-constrained settings. Promoting their use is a crucial step toward addressing the global health inequity challenge.