About CDMU

Indian scenario

Essentials Medicines – a right that the global population deserves just like access to food and clean water, to lead a healthy life.

Essential medicines, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) are "those drugs that satisfy the health care needs of the majority of the population; they should therefore be available at all times in adequate amounts and in appropriate dosage forms, at a price the community can afford."

But how placed are communities to afford these essential medicines? Let’s begin from our home turf, the scenario in India.

4th largest producer and a major exporter of drugs to around 200 countries

50% to 80% of the Indian population is not able to get all the medicines

Two facts. Two contradictory pictures. CDMU reaches out to a need-based initiative in a common sense approach that pooled procurement will guarantee cost containment and affordable to the poorest of the poor.

History

CDMU initiated its journey in 1984 out of human cry for essential medicines. It is an initiative of NGOs running healthcare program and facing difficulty in procuring medicines. It is a India-network initiated its journey in 1984 to enhance access to quality essential medicines at affordable price to improve their use through member, partners and associate organizations.

It undertakes action-based research, advocacy, need-based training and community oriented awareness program.

Our mission is to improve access to and deliver high-quality essential medicines and medical supplies at the lowest possible price.

As an independent and self-supporting not-for-profit organization, we do not have any shareholders looking for return on their investment; any surplus that CDMU makes is channeled through to the member organizations by lowering product prices or by investing in the quality and availability of essential medicines.

Our values

We determined internal values that are leading in our day-to-day work and define the way we work with both colleagues and customers. The most important internal values are

Member focus

We strive to optimize our service by creating mutual understanding and providing good information. This not only applies to our customers but also to our colleagues from other departments.

Be a learning organization

Since CDMU operates in a fast-moving environment, we feel it is important to continuously develop our skills in order to serve our member in the best way possible.

Take responsibility

We feel responsible for serving our member organizations in the best possible way and for delivering what we promised.

Work together

We always strive to optimize cooperation with colleagues, member organizations and partners.