The film documents the efforts of activists, doctors, and patients to overcome these barriers and increase access to affordable treatment. The story serves as a reminder of the power dynamics at play in the pharmaceutical industry and the importance of ensuring access to essential medicines for all people.
"Fire in the Blood" is a 2013 documentary film by
Indian-British filmmaker Dylan Mohan Gray. The film examines how Western
pharmaceutical companies and governments have blocked access to low-cost AIDS
drugs for the world's poorest people, particularly in Africa, where HIV/AIDS
has been most devastating.
The documentary highlights the story of how a group of
activists, health advocates, and generic drug companies banded together to
challenge the status quo and bring low-cost HIV/AIDS medication to people who
needed it the most. The film features interviews with activists, physicians,
and other experts who discuss the challenges and injustices that arose from the
AIDS epidemic and the global response.
The film's title refers to a statement made by Yusuf Hamied,
the chairman of Cipla, an Indian pharmaceutical company that has been a leader
in the production of generic AIDS drugs. In the film, Hamied states that
"there is a fire in the blood of people who are dying, and that fire is
not going to die out until we get the medicines to them."
Overall, the film is a powerful and emotional account of how
greed and corporate interests can stand in the way of providing essential
medicines to those who need them most, and the heroic efforts of those who
fight to overcome these obstacles.
And I remember when I go out to the field and customers
started to doubt the quality of generic products, I always use the Twynsta
example where the product is manufactured by Cipla and distributed by Bohringer
Ingelheim, a pharma company from Germany...
Twynsta is a medication used to treat hypertension that is manufactured by Cipla, a generic drug company based in India, but distributed by Boehringer Ingelheim, a multinational pharmaceutical company based in Germany.
This partnership between Cipla and Boehringer Ingelheim is an example
of how generic drug companies can work with established pharmaceutical companies
to increase the availability of high-quality, affordable medications to
patients around the world. The fact that Boehringer Ingelheim, a well-respected
pharmaceutical company, is willing to distribute a generic medication
manufactured by Cipla is a testament to the quality of Cipla's products.
India has one of the largest workforces of medical sales representatives (MSRs) in the world, second only to the United States.
The
pharmaceutical industry in India is growing rapidly and is expected to reach a
value of US$100 billion by 2025, with a significant portion of that growth
driven by domestic demand. As a result, there is a high demand for MSRs in
India, particularly in the major cities where most of the pharmaceutical
companies are headquartered. The role of MSRs in India is similar to that in
other countries, where they are responsible for promoting and selling medical
products to healthcare professionals and institutions.
But the local generic meds market scenario in Malaysia is
totally different...
Most pharma companies that distribute meds here in Malaysia
did not manufacture their own product. They either become a reseller of certain
brands or they import the active ingredients and repackaging them here.
That's an important distinction to make when discussing the pharmaceutical industry in Malaysia.
The fact that many companies are not
actually manufacturing their own products can have an impact on the quality and
consistency of the drugs that are being sold in the country. It's important for
consumers to be aware of this and to do their own research before purchasing
any medication.
The supply chain for generic medications can be fragile, especially if the manufacturer is unable to meet the demand of the Malaysian market.
This can result in shortages of certain medications, which can have
serious consequences for patients who depend on those medications for their
health. It's important for the Malaysian government and healthcare industry to
work together to ensure a stable supply chain for generic medications, as they
play a vital role in providing affordable healthcare to the population.
One of the challenges that generic companies face in the
market is that, if they cannot meet the demand for their products, customers
may switch to the original brand, and the generic companies may end up with
excess inventory and decreased profits. This underscores the importance of
effective supply chain management for generic companies to ensure consistent
and reliable product availability for their customers.
One thing to note is that the market for generic drugs in Malaysia is growing, as more people are seeking affordable healthcare options. However, there are still challenges, such as ensuring the quality and safety of generic drugs, as well as educating the public about their benefits.
Additionally, the government has been taking steps to promote the use of generic drugs, such as through price controls and incentives for doctors who prescribe them.
Overall, the generic drugs market in Malaysia is an important part of the healthcare system, but there are still opportunities for improvement and growth.
According to a report by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), the country's pharmaceutical industry, which includes the production of generic drugs, had a total investment value of RM4.3 billion in 2019.
The report also noted that the industry contributed RM5.5
billion in exports to the country's total exports, and that Malaysia has a total
of 190 pharmaceutical companies, of which 47 are involved in the manufacturing
of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and finished dosage forms.
Some of the big players in the generic meds market in
Malaysia include Pharmaniaga, Duopharma Biotech, Hovid, Kotra Pharma, Apex
Healthcare, and Nova Laboratories.
The capitalization of the big players in the generic
pharmaceuticals industry in Malaysia listed in Bursa Malaysia varies, and it
depends on the market valuation and performance of the companies. Here are the
market capitalization figures for some of the major players as of February 4th,
2023:
- Pharmaniaga Berhad: MYR 1.29 billion (~USD 316 million)
- Duopharma Biotech Berhad: MYR 1.88 billion (~USD 460 million)
- Hovid Berhad: MYR 150 million (~USD 37 million)
- Kotra Industries Berhad: MYR 197 million (~USD 48 million)
- Apex Healthcare Berhad: MYR 1.17 billion (~USD 287 million)
[Note that these figures are subject to change and may not
reflect the current market capitalization of the companies in the future.]
The state of the generic drugs market in Malaysia is a topic
of discussion in this article, which I found very interesting. It is expected
to grow due to the increasing demand for affordable healthcare in the country. The
primary driving force behind this growth is the increasing domestic demand for
medication.
As with any market, there are challenges that come with being involved in the generic drugs industry in Malaysia.
The supply chain for
generic medications can be quite fragile, and if the manufacturer is unable to
meet the demands of the Malaysian market, it could result in shortages of
essential medications. This can have serious consequences for patients who rely
on those medications to maintain their health. It's essential for the Malaysian
government and healthcare industry to work together to ensure a stable supply
chain for generic medications.
Another challenge is ensuring the quality and safety of generic drugs.
It is critical for consumers to be aware of the quality of the
drugs they are purchasing, and they should conduct their own research before
purchasing any medication. One thing to note is that the market for generic
drugs in Malaysia is growing as more people seek affordable healthcare options.
The government has taken some steps to promote the use of generic drugs,
including implementing price controls and offering incentives to doctors who
prescribe them.
The generic drugs market in Malaysia is an important part of the healthcare system.
While there are still opportunities for improvement and growth, it is a significant contributor to the country's economy. The article emphasizes the growing importance of the generic drugs market in Malaysia and the need for effective supply chain management for generic companies. Additionally, it highlights the importance of ensuring the quality and safety of generic drugs to the Malaysian population.
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