On Ratan Tata’s 87th birthday, Generic Aadhaar distributed free cancer medicines to 87 patients across the country, according to a note from the fledgling venture.

About four years ago, Ratan Tata invested in the pharmaceutical retail venture started by then 18-year-old Arjun Deshpande to supply generic medicines. The young entrepreneur then told businessline that “Ratan Sir” had advised him to focus on oncology medicines.

Marking Tata’s 87th birthday, the venture distributed cancer medicine for a lifetime “as long as their prescription does not change”, said a spokesperson for Generic Aadhaar. The firm also said it would “assist new cancer patients who approach them by providing cancer medicine at cost price, with no margins.”

Arjun Deshpande, Founder and Chief Executive of Generic Aadhaar said, “Being mentored by him (Ratan Tata) has been the greatest privilege of my journey, and distributing free cancer medicines to 87 patients on his 87th birthday is our way of paying tribute to his legacy and reaffirming our commitment to affordable healthcare for all.”

The patients were from multiple states including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Assam and West Bengal, among others. And the medicines given free included erlotinib, paclitaxel, carboplatin, cisplatin and lenalidomide, among others, the spokesperson said.