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Marion Bradley, 57, filling a prescription for one of her customers . She is the lead pharmacist and co-owner of Beacon Falls Pharmacy. Credit: Carl Jordan Castro / C-HIT.org

Yes.

India supplies nearly half of all generic prescription drugs used in the United States, making it the largest single source. 

In 2022, Indian pharmaceutical companies provided 47% of generic prescriptions filled in U.S. pharmacies, far more than domestic producers or suppliers from Europe and the Middle East. These medicines addressed common needs like those related to mental health, high blood pressure, cholesterol and nervous system disorders. Because of India’s exports, Americans saved an estimated $219 billion on prescriptions in 2022, and $1.3 trillion over the past decade. 

India produces about 35% of the active pharmaceutical ingredients, or APIs, for generics in the entire world. Despite this, most Indian drugmakers rely on China for about 70% of the raw ingredients needed to manufacture these medicines. That dependency leaves the U.S. vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, a vulnerability highlighted by ongoing cancer treatment shortages.

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Reginald David is the Community Engagement Reporter for CT Mirror. He builds relationships across Connecticut to elevate community voices and deepen public dialogue around local issues. Previously, he was a producer at KCUR 89.3, Kansas City’s NPR station, where he created community-centered programming, led live event coverage for major events like the NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Parade, and Royals Opening Day, and launched KC Soundcheck, a music series spotlighting local and national artists. Reginald has also hosted special segments, including an in-depth interview with civil rights leader Alvin Brooks and live community coverage on issues like racial segregation and neighborhood development. He began his public media career as an ‘Integrity in News’ intern at WNPR in Hartford.