In the early 1970s, Ramesh Juneja could be seen travelling extensively on dusty UP Roadways buses, moving from one small town to another as a Medical Representative (MR). While many saw him as just another MR enduring the hardships of a modest job, few could have predicted that this very individual would later head one of India’s largest pharmaceutical companies, dramatically transforming the landscape of affordable healthcare in the country.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in 1955 in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, Ramesh Juneja came from a middle-class family. After earning a science degree, he began his career in 1974 with KeePharma Ltd. His role as an MR involved long, gruelling hours travelling from Meerut to Purkaji by bus, where he worked tirelessly to build relationships and introduce doctors to the company’s products.
A Defining Moment
In 1975, Ramesh Juneja made a significant career move by joining Lupin Limited as a first-line manager. Over the next eight years, he gained critical insights into the pharmaceutical industry. A pivotal moment in 1983 occurred when he witnessed a customer at a local chemist shop offering silver jewellery as collateral to afford prescribed medicine. This poignant scene deeply affected Ramesh and fueled his resolve to make affordable medicines available to all.
Founding Bestochem and Mankind Pharma
Determined to address the issue of high medicine costs, Ramesh left his job and, with a friend, founded Bestochem, a company aimed at producing affordable drugs. Despite initial struggles, this venture taught him resilience. Undeterred, Ramesh partnered with his brother, Rajeev Juneja, and in 1994, they launched Mankind Pharma with an initial investment of ₹50 lakh. The company’s mission was straightforward—provide cost-effective medicines for everyone. By the end of its first year, Mankind Pharma had achieved a valuation of ₹4 crore.
The Rise of Mankind Pharma
The growth of Mankind Pharma was a testament to Ramesh’s unwavering commitment to affordability and strategic marketing. What might appear as rapid success was the result of careful planning and execution. Today, Mankind Pharma is India’s fourth-largest pharmaceutical company, with a market cap approaching ₹96,703 crore.
The company’s flagship products include well-known brands such as Manforce condoms, Prega News, Unwanted 72, and Gas-O-Fast. Last May, Mankind Pharma’s IPO saw a remarkable 74% increase in stock value, further cementing its position as a leader in the pharmaceutical industry.
