National Generic Medicine
Full Form of NGM
What is NGM?
National Generic Medicine (NGM) refers to India's concerted public health initiative to promote the use of generic drugs — pharmaceutical products that are chemically identical to their branded counterparts but sold at significantly lower prices. The movement is anchored by the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), under which the government has established thousands of Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country. These outlets dispense quality-assured generic medicines at prices 50 to 90 per cent lower than market rates, making essential healthcare affordable for millions. NGM is widely used in policy discussions, pharmacy practice, and public health campaigns. It is also a recurring topic in Indian competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, and pharmacy licensure tests, where questions examine the scheme's objectives, quality control mechanisms, and impact on out-of-pocket expenditure. The initiative addresses key challenges of India's healthcare system — high drug costs, counterfeit products, and unequal access — while aligning with the government's vision of universal health coverage. By fostering patient awareness, mandating generic prescription norms, and strengthening supply chains, NGM continues to reshape the pharmaceutical landscape. Its emphasis on affordability and quality has made it a cornerstone of India's public health strategy, especially in rural and low-income communities.
NGM का फुल फॉर्म
राष्ट्रीय जेनेरिक औषधि
Example
Under the NGM initiative, the government has opened over 9,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across India to provide affordable generic medicines to patients.