Ensuring Rational Prescription and Generic Medicines
The Indian government is urging doctors to prescribe generic medicines to promote affordable healthcare and rational prescription practices.
Clause 1.5 of the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, mandates physicians to prescribe drugs with generic names legibly, preferably in capital letters, and to ensure rational prescription and use of drugs.
The National Medical Commission Act, 2019, empowers the appropriate State Medical Councils or the Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) of the National Medical Commission to take disciplinary action against doctors for violating these regulations.
Spreading Awareness and Ensuring Compliance
To ensure compliance with the regulations and promote the use of generic medicines, more than 9600 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK) have been established across all districts of the country.
These centers offer generic medicines at affordable prices, making healthcare accessible to all. The Department of Pharmaceuticals/Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) is actively spreading awareness about the scheme through various media channels, including electronic and print media, as well as through social media platforms.
National Health Mission’s Support
Under the National Health Mission (NHM), support is provided for the provision of essential generic drugs free of cost in public health facilities.
This support extends beyond drugs and includes the necessary components for effective implementation of the Free Drug Service Initiative, such as robust procurement systems, quality assurance, IT-backed supply chain management systems, and training.
Jan Aushadhi Diwas and Janaushadhi Sugam App
In addition to the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras, the government celebrates Jan Aushadhi Diwas every year on 7th March to raise awareness about the benefits of generic medicines and the scheme.
Furthermore, PMBI maintains a mobile application called Janaushadhi Sugam, a one-stop platform that assists users in locating nearby PMBJK, searching for Janaushadhi medicines, and finding contact details.
The push for generic medicines aims to democratize healthcare and ensure that quality medications are accessible to all citizens. By promoting the prescription of generic drugs, the government endeavors to make healthcare more affordable and improve the overall health outcomes for the population.
Please Note: The information provided in this article is based on a written reply by the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, in the Lok Sabha.
Sources: THX News & Government of India.
