Since India’s independence in 1947, the pharma franchise business has operated under different governments, each with its own policies and approaches towards the pharmaceutical sector. Let’s explore the evolution of the pharma franchise business under some key governments:
1. Nehruvian Era (1947-1964):
During this period, the Indian government focused on industrialization and self-reliance. The pharma industry experienced moderate growth, with the establishment of public sector enterprises such as Hindustan Antibiotics Limited and Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited. The pharma franchise business was in its nascent stage, primarily operating through traditional distribution channels.
2. Indira Gandhi Era (1966-1977):
The government’s emphasis during this period was on self-sufficiency and public sector dominance. The pharma industry saw the growth of public sector pharmaceutical companies, which limited the scope of private players. However, a few private pharmaceutical companies managed to establish themselves and initiate franchise operations, albeit on a smaller scale.
3. Economic Reforms (1991 onwards):
The period following the economic reforms marked a significant turning point for the pharma franchise business. The liberalization policies opened up the Indian economy, leading to increased competition and foreign investments in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals. The government’s focus shifted towards creating a favorable environment for private enterprises, which benefitted the growth of the pharma franchise business.
4. Atal Bihari Vajpayee Era (1998-2004):
The government under Atal Bihari Vajpayee introduced several reforms to promote the pharmaceutical sector. The National Pharmaceutical Policy (NPP) aimed to ensure the availability of essential drugs at reasonable prices and encourage research and development. The pharma franchise business gained momentum during this period, with more pharmaceutical companies adopting the franchise model to expand their market reach.
5. Manmohan Singh Era (2004-2014):
During this period, the government focused on healthcare reforms and access to affordable medicines. The introduction of the Jan Aushadhi Scheme aimed to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices, creating opportunities for pharma franchise businesses to participate in the scheme and expand their product offerings.
6. Narendra Modi Era (2014 onwards):
Under the current government, the pharma franchise business has witnessed significant growth and opportunities. The government’s initiatives like Make in India, Digital India, and Ayushman Bharat have contributed to the expansion of the pharmaceutical sector and created a favorable environment for pharma franchise businesses. The emphasis on affordable healthcare, research and development, quality compliance, and digitalization has further supported the growth of the pharma franchise business.
It is important to note that the growth and development of the pharma franchise business have been influenced by a combination of government policies, industry dynamics, and market forces. While each government has played a role in shaping the overall pharmaceutical sector, the pharma franchise business has largely evolved as a response to market demands and entrepreneurial opportunities.