The GeneXpert diagnostic testing technology from the US corporation Cepheid, and its parent company Danaher, has revolutionised rapid, accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) and other diseases, since entering the market in 2010. Yet, due to the high cost of the GeneXpert test cartridges, many countries are not able to scale up testing for all people who need lifesaving diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
India is the main supplier of essential medicines for developing countries.
67 % of medicines produced in India are exported to developing countries.
Main procurement agencies for developing countries’ health programmes purchase their medicines in India, where there are quality products and low prices.
Approx. 50% of the essential medicines that UNICEF distributes in developing countries come from India
75-80% of all medicines distributed by the International Dispensary Association (IDA) to developing countries are manufactured in India. (IDA is a medical supplier operating on a not-for-profit basis for distribution of essential medicines to developing countries.)
In Zimbabwe, 75% of tenders for medicines for all public sector health facilities come from Indian manufacturers
The state procurement agency in Lesotho, NDSO, states it buys nearly 95% of all ARVs from India.