Prescribe generic drugs: MCI to doctors
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In its directive dated January 21 to the principals of medical colleges, director of hospitals and presidents of all state medical councils, the MCI has said that every physician should, as far as possible, prescribe drugs with generic names and ensure that there is a rational prescription and use of drugs. All doctors registered under the MCI act have been asked to comply with the directive.
Over the past couple of years, there have been a slew of efforts to curb unethical marketing practices followed by pharma companies, end the use of branded drugs and bring down the prices of medicines.
MCI chairman K K Talwar said, "The directive is a bid to educate the medical community, including doctors and make them aware about the increased availability of generic drugs and to make them more affordable as well. We need to instill confidence in people about the use of generic versions."
Though the government has opened the retail store, which market generic medicines, "Jan Aushadhi" in certain states, availability of quality generic medicines is a huge concern.
Doctors are of the view that the focus should be on the quality of the drugs prescribed. Says Dr Anoop Misra chairman of Delhi-based Fortis Centre of excellence for diabetes: "For the benefit of patients and to get the best possible results, highest quality drugs with best possible pharmacological properties should be used by all doctors. If the quality of generic drugs is up to high standards, doctors should prescribe generic medicines."
Industry experts, however, said the move may not benefit patients as it may not lead to a significant price reduction. Says Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, secretary general D G Shah: "If the government is able to ensure the quality of generic medicines, then it will be beneficial. Patients do not know about the quality of medicines and will have to depend on chemists. It may lead to a chemist-pharma nexus from the much-discussed nexus between pharma companies and doctors".
Last year, in a bid to promote generic medicines, the health ministry ordered states to stop issuing licenses in brand names. The move has not benefitted patients much as companies continue to market the medicines in brand names. Also, concerned with increasing complaints of unethical marketing practices, the department of pharmaceuticals initiated an exercise to introduce a code of conduct for the pharma industry, which is yet to be finalized.
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