India’s Pharma Ranks 3rd in Output — Proving Affordability Still Matters

From New Delhi to Melbourne, Indian medicines aren’t just healing, they’re redefining global access to healthcare.

When the pandemic tested global resilience, it wasn’t just the pharmaceutical giants of the West that answered the call. It was India, dubbed the “Pharmacy of the World”, that helped deliver affordable, life-saving treatments to over 200 countries. Today, India’s pharmaceutical sector ranks third globally by volume and 13th by value, according to the Indian Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers. But its greatest achievement may lie in proving that affordability still matters in a system increasingly shaped by profit margins.

India currently supplies over 60% of the world’s vaccines and nearly 40% of the generic medicines consumed in the United States. These figures aren’t symbolic. They represent millions of lives touched through accessible treatments, from antibiotics and heart medication to cancer drugs and insulin.

“India’s pharma sector is not just big — it’s vital,” said Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO’s Representative to India. “The global vaccine rollout wouldn’t have been possible without Indian manufacturing.”

Australia is among the nations directly benefitting from India’s scale and pricing. Under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), Indian pharmaceutical companies like Sun Pharma, Dr. Reddy’s, and Lupin have built formal supply arrangements to provide affordable generic medication across Australia.

For Indian-Australians, many of whom support medical costs for family both locally and back home, this access is essential. Key therapeutic areas include cardiovascular, diabetic, and cancer treatments, all categories with historically high prices in Australia.

Indian-made medications such as Cipla’s generic inhalers and Biocon’s biosimilar insulins are now routinely stocked by pharmacies in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, delivering quality care at lower costs — without compromising on TGA standards.

This story connects with broader diaspora contributions explored in Indian Diaspora Success Stories: The Global Achievers.

While India’s pharmaceutical factories power global supply chains, their reach into Australia is often delivered by Indian-origin pharmacists and businesses who understand both the cultural context and therapeutic needs of local consumers.

Take Kam and Reet Phulwani, founders of Medsurge Healthcare in Melbourne. What began in 2002 as a modest operation is now a transnational company employing over 40 people in Australia and more than 300 in Bengaluru. Medsurge supplies specialised hospital-grade medicines across Australia, sourcing many from TGA-approved Indian manufacturers.

“Patients shouldn’t have to choose between quality and affordability,” said Kam in a 2024 interview. “Our goal is to give Australians access to the best global options — and Indian pharma often delivers that.”
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Similarly, Dr. Akram Ahmad, an Indian-trained pharmacist turned researcher at the University of Sydney, notes the valuable role Indian pharmacists play in Australia. “Many Indian-trained pharmacists bring strong clinical foundations and a high level of practical readiness. Australia’s structured system builds well on that,” he shared in a PharmaTutor interview.

India’s pharmaceutical boom isn’t accidental. It is underpinned by a series of visionary government policies:

• Pharma Vision 2020: Positioned India as a global hub for end-to-end drug manufacturing.
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Attracts foreign and domestic investment into pharmaceutical R&D and manufacturing.
• Bulk Drug Parks: Aimed at reducing import dependency for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), especially from China.

These initiatives are expected to grow India’s pharma sector to US$130 billion by 2030, including a major focus on biotech and biosimilars.

This industrial rise is contributing to regional development and self-reliance, a theme echoed in broader community projects such as Preserving Cultural Heritage: The Role Of Indian Community Centres In Australia.

Beyond generics, Indian companies are exploring Ayurveda-based wellness, backed by clinical trials and global distribution. Brands like Patanjali Ayurved, Himalaya Wellness, and Dabur are exporting products like ashwagandha, chyawanprash, and immunity-boosting tonics to health-conscious consumers in Australia.

These developments align with the growing consumer trend noted in Ayurvedic Medicine: A Rising Trend in Australia’s Wellness Industry, as Indian wellness becomes more mainstream across both ethnic and non-ethnic Australian households.

In a 2025 roundtable, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said it best:

“This is not just an industry; it’s a lifeline. India’s pharma sector represents self-reliance and service to humanity.”

With over 3 million employed and a footprint in over 200 countries, Indian pharma stands as a rare sector that combines economic scale with ethical impact.

For Indian-Australians, it’s a point of pride, and a practical advantage. And for the world, it’s a timely reminder that innovation isn’t only about what’s new, but what’s accessible.