Lowpill

Financial Assistance

If you can't afford your medicines, please don't skip them. Help is available.

1. Don't Skip Your Medicine

Stopping a prescribed medicine because of cost can be more expensive in the long run — uncontrolled diabetes, blood pressure or heart conditions can lead to hospitalization that costs many times more than the medicine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist about affordable alternatives before skipping.

2. Government Schemes

  • Jan Aushadhi (Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana) — generic medicines at 50–90% lower prices at over 10,000 outlets nationwide.
  • Ayushman Bharat — PM-JAY covers hospitalization expenses up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for eligible families.
  • State health insurance schemes — most states have one (e.g. Arogyasri in Telangana / Andhra Pradesh, Chiranjeevi in Gujarat, Karunya in Kerala).
  • ESI (Employees' State Insurance) — for organized-sector workers earning under ₹21,000 / month.
  • Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) — for central government employees and pensioners.
  • PMNRF (Prime Minister's National Relief Fund) — case-by-case grants for serious illnesses.

3. Switch to Generics

  • Generics are medically equivalent to branded medicines.
  • Same active ingredient, same dosage, same effect.
  • Often 60–90% cheaper.
  • Ask your doctor if a generic alternative is suitable.
  • Ask your pharmacist about Jan Aushadhi equivalents.
  • Lowpill highlights generic options for every medicine search.

4. Patient Assistance Programs

  • Many pharmaceutical companies run Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) for expensive medicines, especially for cancer, hepatitis and rare diseases.
  • Ask your treating doctor — they can refer you and complete the application.
  • Required documents usually: income certificate, prescription, hospital records.
  • Some programs provide the medicine free; others heavily subsidize.

5. NGO and Charity Help

  • Tata Memorial Centre (cancer) and similar institutions — subsidized care for low-income patients.
  • Indian Cancer Society — financial aid for cancer treatment.
  • Hans Foundation, GiveIndia, Ketto — crowdfunding and direct grants.
  • Local religious trusts and community-based organizations often run medicine-assistance schemes.
  • Rotary, Lions, and similar clubs operate medicine banks in many cities.

6. Talk to the Pharmacist

  • Ask if a smaller pack size is available — useful for short courses.
  • Ask about ongoing pharmacy discounts and loyalty programs.
  • Ask about the lowest-priced manufacturer with the same composition.
  • Some pharmacies offer payment plans for high-value orders.

7. How to Apply for Assistance

  • Step 1: Talk to your treating doctor — they will guide you to the right program.
  • Step 2: Gather documents — income proof, Aadhaar, prescription, hospital records.
  • Step 3: Visit the nearest Jan Aushadhi store or apply online for the relevant scheme.
  • Step 4: For PAPs, the doctor or hospital social worker usually handles the application.
  • Step 5: Follow up regularly — paperwork can take time.

8. A Word of Caution

  • Beware of fake schemes asking for upfront payment.
  • Government schemes never demand bribes.
  • Don't share OTPs or banking credentials with anyone claiming to help.
  • Verify any scheme via the official government website before applying.
  • Hospital social workers are a trusted starting point.