Malayalis’ consumption of medicines reached a staggering value of 12,500 crores in 2022. This figure represents a substantial increase from the previous year’s expenditure of 11,000 crores, as reported by the All Kerala Chemists and Druggists Association (AKCDA), citing the IQVIA Market Reflection Report and Pharma vax Report.
According to the AKCDA, the top-selling medicines in Kerala are painkillers and cardiovascular drugs, followed closely by vitamins, gastro-related medications, and antidiabetic drugs. The total turnover of the Indian pharmaceutical market in 2022 stood at 2,20,395 lakh crores.
While states such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal surpassed Kerala in terms of drug consumption, it is important to note that they also have significantly larger populations.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, as people became more health-conscious, medicine consumption temporarily declined to 7,500 crores. Sales of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs saw a sharp decrease during this period.
Although Kerala is home to more than fifteen private drug manufacturing plants, a staggering 99 percent of the drugs consumed in the state are sourced from other regions.
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