As part of making healthcare more affordable and accessible, Kerala State Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited (KSDP), a public sector undertaking, is now expanding into the retail market with a new portfolio of 15 medicines that cost 60 per cent less compared to similar medicines in the market.
Traditionally known for supplying low-cost and high-quality medicines to government hospitals, KSDP has now decided to offer its medicines in the retail market to ensure that the general public spends less on treatment for several health problems.
In the first phase, KSDP will roll out three key products: Keramsol, a cough syrup, Keramycin, an azithromycin antibiotic tablet for bacterial infections, and Kera Pipets, an injectable drug combining piperacillin and tazobactam for treating serious infections. These products have been officially approved by the Central Government’s Trade Marks Registry and will soon be available in medical stores across Kerala. “These medicines are expected to cost up to 60% less than their commercial counterparts, significantly reducing the financial burden on patients, particularly those managing chronic or lifestyle-related conditions,” said an official statement issued by the Kerala Government.
In the second phase, 12 more medicines—currently awaiting necessary approvals—will be introduced. To further strengthen its presence in the retail market, KSDP will also launch a chain of low-cost medicine outlets under the name Medi Mart. The first outlet will open in Kalavoor, Alappuzha, with plans to expand across the state. These stores will stock both KSDP products and carefully selected affordable medicines from private manufacturers.
Through these initiatives, KSDP is positioning itself as a competitive force in Kerala’s pharmaceutical landscape, aiming to strike a balance between quality, affordability, and accessibility. This strategic expansion not only reflects the PSU’s commitment to public health but also showcases how public sector enterprises can play a proactive role in addressing healthcare inequities.
