From Salesman To Billionaire: Meet Man Who Travelled 85 Km By Bus Daily, Later Built India’s 4th Largest Pharma Company Worth Rs....

In the 1970s, Ramesh Juneja began his career as a Medical Representative (MR) in Uttar Pradesh. Traveling over 85 km daily by bus, he worked tirelessly to introduce doctors to medicines, laying the foundation for his future success.

Born in 1955 in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, Ramesh hailed from a middle-class family. After completing a degree in science, he started his professional journey in 1974 with KeePharma Ltd., spending long hours building relationships and understanding the medical field.

In 1975, Ramesh joined Lupin Limited as a first-line manager. For eight years, he gained deep insights into the pharmaceutical industry. It was here that he identified a critical gap: the unavailability of affordable medicines for the common man.

In 1983, Ramesh witnessed a man offering his silver jewelry at a chemist shop because he couldn’t afford his medicines. This emotional incident drove Ramesh to dream of making essential healthcare accessible to everyone.

Ramesh left his secure job and co-founded Bestochem with a friend. Although the venture didn’t succeed, it taught him resilience and prepared him for future challenges. Undeterred, he set his sights on bigger goals.

In 1994, Ramesh and his brother, Rajeev Juneja, established Mankind Pharma with an investment of Rs 50 lakh. Their vision was clear: to provide high-quality medicines at affordable prices. Within a year, the company reached a valuation of Rs 4 crore.

Through innovation, affordability, and strategic marketing, Mankind Pharma grew into India’s 4th largest pharmaceutical company, now worth Rs 96,703 crore. Its best-known products include Prega News, Manforce condoms, Unwanted 72, and Gas-O-Fast. The company went public in May 2023, with its IPO gaining 74 per cent in stock value.