The central government has adopted a stringent stance to promote the use of generic medicines in the country.
In a recent order issued on Monday, all doctors employed by the government have been instructed to prescribe generic medicines exclusively.
The government has warned that doctors failing to comply with this directive will face severe consequences.
The Director General of Health Services, while issuing the order, emphasized that any doctor neglecting to include generic medicines in their prescriptions may face disciplinary action.
The order explicitly states that the practice of prescribing branded medicines, which some doctors continue to do, is deemed inappropriate.
Additionally, new guidelines have been introduced for medical representatives to engage with doctors. Dr. Atul Goyal, in a notice, instructs doctors to solely prescribe generic medicines under all circumstances.
The issued order outlines the need for complete implementation of prescribing only generic medicines on prescriptions, as numerous instances have been identified where doctors omit the names of generic medicines.
Despite previous orders, some doctors persist in prescribing branded medicines. The availability of generic medicines has been cited as a contributing factor to the continued preference for branded medications, with instances of shortages observed in several government hospitals.
Generic medicines are generally more affordable compared to branded counterparts, alleviating the financial burden on patients.
The cost disparity between branded and generic medicines is significant, making the promotion of generic options essential for accessible healthcare.
The central government’s stringent measures are aimed at ensuring the widespread adoption of generic medicines, fostering affordability and availability, and ultimately benefiting patients across the country.
By enforcing these regulations, the government seeks to create a more inclusive and cost-effective healthcare system.
