Good News: How Prega News Made Pregnancy Testing Simple for India

In a country where visiting a doctor for pregnancy confirmation was the only option—often delayed, sometimes embarrassing, always inconvenient—Mankind Pharma introduced something revolutionary: privacy, convenience, and confirmation in just 5 minutes at home. Launched by a company that started with ₹50 lakh seed capital in 1995, Prega News today commands 82-85% market share in India's pregnancy detection kit category and generates significant revenue for what is now a publicly-listed pharmaceutical giant. This is the story of how two brothers from Delhi democratized pregnancy testing and turned "Prega News" into a household name synonymous with life's most awaited moment.

The Mankind Foundation: Brothers with a Vision (1991-1995)

Mankind Pharma was incorporated in 1991 and actively started its operations in 1995, with contributions from two brothers, Ramesh C. Juneja and Rajeev Juneja, who established the company with seed capital of ₹50 lakh (₹5 million). The company started with 20 employees and launched in two states in the first year of operation.

Mankind Pharma initially targeted price-sensitive drugs with focus on rural markets. Early products included antibacterial drug Zenflox and prescription antibiotic Moxikind CV, priced at steep discounts to competitors. The strategy worked—offering quality medicines at affordable prices resonated with price-conscious Indian consumers.

But the Juneja brothers had bigger ambitions. They saw opportunities beyond prescription drugs in the consumer healthcare space, where trust, convenience, and affordability could create category leaders.

The Market Gap: When Pregnancy Testing Required Doctors

Before home pregnancy test kits became accessible, Indian women faced significant challenges confirming pregnancy. The options were limited: visit a doctor or pathology lab for blood/urine tests, wait for results taking hours to days, face potential embarrassment discussing intimate matters, incur costs that many couldn't afford, or delay confirmation until physical symptoms became undeniable.

For millions of Indian women—particularly in smaller towns and rural areas—pregnancy confirmation was a medical event requiring external validation, not a private moment of discovery. The emotional aspect of finding out one of life's most significant news was clinical, delayed, and often shared with strangers before being confirmed with loved ones.

Mankind Pharma identified this gap. Home pregnancy test kits existed internationally but had limited penetration in India. The market was ripe for disruption by a brand that understood Indian sensibilities, offered affordability, and built trust through accuracy.

The Launch: Prega News Enters India

While exact launch year isn't specified in available sources, references indicate Prega News has been operating for "over 13 years" as of 2024-2025, suggesting a launch around 2011-2012. The brand was positioned as India's most accessible, accurate, and affordable home pregnancy test kit.

The product was simple yet revolutionary: a pregnancy detection card using sera reagent to detect HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) hormone in woman's urine. The kit included a single-use pregnancy detection card, disposable dropper, and silica granules to prevent moisture and ensure accuracy.

The promise was clear: 99% accurate results in just 5 minutes, done in the privacy and comfort of home, at a price point (₹40-60 per test) accessible to most Indian families.

The Science: How Prega News Works

Prega News uses a one-step urine HCG pregnancy test. The sera reagent detects HCG content in woman's urine, indicating pregnancy status. Silica granules absorb moisture from urine, making the card more accurate and preventing sera reagent spoilage.

The test measures presence of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin hormone in urine—a hormone produced during pregnancy. Unlike laboratory tests providing quantitative measurements, Prega News is qualitative, measuring hormone presence and revealing positive or negative results.

The instructions are straightforward: collect first morning urine (most concentrated, most accurate) in clean container, use dropper to add 3 drops to sample well on detection card, wait 5 minutes, read results. Two pink lines (C & T) indicate pregnancy, one pink line (C only) indicates no pregnancy, and no lines indicate invalid test requiring repeat.

Market Domination: 82-85% Share

Prega News achieved extraordinary market dominance. Having 82% share in the market (some sources cite 85%), Prega News is the No. 1 Pregnancy Detection Test Kit in India. This isn't just market leadership—it's near-monopoly control of the category.

The brand became so dominant that for many Indian women, "pregnancy test" became synonymous with "Prega News"—similar to how Xerox became synonymous with photocopying or Google with internet search. The brand transcended product category to become generic terminology.

Product Innovation: Expanding the Range (2022-2025)

Prega News didn't remain static. In April 2022, Mankind Pharma launched Prega News Advance—a new and advanced pregnancy detection test kit for the Indian market. The single-step pregnancy test device doesn't require collection of urine in dropper or container, making it the easiest and most convenient method to test pregnancy at home.

Prega News Advance is a mid-stream pregnancy test device providing rapid and accurate results within 3 minutes. After first phase launch, products became available in eight states: Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Lucknow, Guwahati, Chennai, Haryana, and Kolkata, through offline and online stores.

Joy Chatterjee, General Manager of Sales and Marketing, explained: "Prega News advanced is designed keeping in mind the fast-paced lifestyle of working women to make their own decisions. Our product has received overwhelming responses in the first phase of launch."

The Transformation: From Detection to Care Solution (February 2025)

In February 2025, Prega News made its biggest transformation yet. The brand announced its evolution from "Pregnancy Detection Card" to "Expert Pregnancy Care Solution Partner," launching six new products designed to support women through the entire motherhood journey.

Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor unveiled the new range, marking Prega News's transition into comprehensive reproductive care. The brand altered its logo to reflect this expanded mission.

Pre-Conception Phase Products:

• Ova News Ovulation Detection Kit: Identifies five most fertile days for conception

• PregaHope Preconception Tablet: Contains iron and folic acid for pre-pregnancy health

• PregaHope Fertility Lubricant: Supports conception

Pre-Natal Phase Products:

• Prega News Advance: Easy mid-stream pregnancy test

• Prega News Value Pack: Includes kits, containers, and gloves for convenience

• Original Prega News: The trusted detection card

Post-Natal Phase Product:

• PregaHappy Anti Stretch Mark Cream: Reduces stretch marks during and after pregnancy

Sonam Kapoor stated: "Prega News has been a trusted pregnancy detection partner for countless women for the last 13 years. We are not only celebrating motherhood but introducing a range of products that will empower women on their path to becoming mothers."

Joy Chatterjee, Associate Vice President of Sales and Marketing, added: "The products have been crafted finely following years of research to ensure a smooth pregnancy journey at every stage whether it is pre, during, or post phase."

Marketing Strategy: Empowerment and Awareness

Prega News marketing focused on empowering women to take control of their reproductive health. In January 2023, Prega News launched a campaign pushing women to take tests rather than relying on online assumptions and symptoms. The campaign aimed to expand awareness about pregnancy testing and the importance of accurate, early detection.

The brand also created emotional campaigns. In June 2025, Prega News launched a Father's Day campaign titled "The Invisible Journey," highlighting expectant fathers' often-overlooked contributions during pregnancy. The campaign featured an expectant father wearing a pregnancy belly for a day, experiencing challenges pregnant women face.

The messaging emphasized that 95% of Indian fathers believe parenting is shared responsibility, reflecting evolving dynamics of modern Indian families. This inclusive approach positioned Prega News as a brand celebrating all aspects of the pregnancy journey.

The Parent Company: Mankind Pharma's Rise

Prega News's success contributed significantly to Mankind Pharma's growth trajectory. As of 2023, Mankind Pharma operates 25 factories and 6 R&D centers in India, deriving 97% of operating revenue from the domestic market, where it's the fourth-largest pharmaceutical company by sales.

Mankind Pharma's consumer healthcare brands are category leaders: Manforce in condoms, Prega News in pregnancy test kits, and Unwanted-72 in emergency contraception. This portfolio diversification—from prescription drugs to consumer healthcare—proved strategically brilliant.

In April 2023, Mankind Pharma launched its IPO, with existing investors selling ₹4,326 crore (US$510 million) worth of shares. The company's market capitalization reached ₹86,000 crore by 2024. In 2024, Mankind Pharma acquired 100% stake in Bharat Serums and Vaccines (BSV) for ₹13,630 crore, further strengthening its women's health and fertility portfolio.

Why Prega News Succeeded

• Addressing Privacy Concerns: Home testing allowed women to discover pregnancy in private, sharing news with loved ones first rather than medical professionals.

• Affordability: At ₹40-60 per test, Prega News was accessible to millions across economic segments.

• Accuracy and Trust: 99% accuracy built confidence; positive word-of-mouth reinforced trust across generations.

• Convenience: Results in 5 minutes at home beat hours of waiting at labs.

• Early Detection: Testing possible soon after missed period enabled early prenatal care planning.

• Simple Usage: Clear instructions, minimal steps, easy-to-read results made it accessible to women regardless of education level.

• Distribution Excellence: Available at pharmacies, medical stores, supermarkets, and online platforms across India.

• Brand Building: Consistent messaging about reliability, accuracy, and empowerment created strong brand recall.

• Product Evolution: From basic card to mid-stream device to comprehensive care range demonstrated commitment to innovation.

The Broader Impact: Changing Women's Healthcare

Prega News transformed more than pregnancy testing—it normalized conversations around reproductive health. Making pregnancy testing accessible and private empowered women to take control of their health decisions.

For many women, Prega News represented agency—the ability to know, plan, and decide on their own terms and timeline. This empowerment extended beyond pregnancy testing to broader awareness of reproductive health, fertility, and maternal wellness.

The brand's 85% market share indicates deep penetration across urban and rural India, making pregnancy testing accessible to women previously unable to afford or access laboratory tests.

Challenges and Competition

Despite dominance, Prega News faces competition from brands like I-Can (Piramal Healthcare, launched 2011), Clearblue (international brand), Dr. Morepen, First Response, Velocit, and various regional and private-label brands.

However, Prega News's first-mover advantage, trust equity built over 13 years, affordability without compromising accuracy, and comprehensive product range provide sustainable competitive advantages.

The Future: Comprehensive Pregnancy Care

With the February 2025 product expansion, Prega News is positioned to capture the entire pregnancy journey—from planning conception to post-delivery care. This ecosystem approach creates multiple touchpoints with consumers, building deeper relationships and increasing lifetime customer value.

The Indian women's healthcare market was valued at approximately ₹31,000 crore in 2023 and is expected to grow at 11.5% CAGR through 2030. The fertility sector is estimated at ₹2,360 crore in 2023 with 12.2% CAGR projected. Prega News is strategically positioned to capture significant share of this growth.

The Legacy: 13+ Years of Trust

From its launch around 2011-2012 to becoming India's #1 pregnancy detection kit with 85% market share, Prega News exemplifies how understanding consumer needs, delivering consistent quality, and building trust create category leaders.

The brand name itself—"Prega News"—became perfect branding: memorable, self-explanatory, positive (news associated with joy), and culturally appropriate.

Every day, thousands of Indian women use Prega News to discover life's most significant news. Some see two pink lines and experience overwhelming joy. Others see one line and plan to try again. But all share a moment made possible by a brand that democratized pregnancy testing—bringing privacy, dignity, accuracy, and convenience to millions.

From two brothers with ₹50 lakh seed capital to a pregnancy care ecosystem serving millions, Prega News proves that solving real problems with empathy, quality, and affordability creates not just successful businesses but lasting social impact.

Because when it comes to life's most important news, India trusts Prega News.