India has become the world leader in the manufacture and export of generic medicines. As such, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, recently met the heads of state of more than 50 African countries to discuss ways for India to improve the health infrastructure of the African continent.
The export of generic drugs in Africa is estimated at 15 billion dollars for the Indian economy. But India is also a purveyor of counterfeit or substandard drugs that are dangerous: either because they contain toxic ingredients; or because they have no efficiency.
Some experts prefer the idea of developing a local manufacture of generic drugs, both as a way to boost the African economy and get safe medicines to the population instead of developing trade with India.
Source: Voice of America