The Union Health Ministry is considering a mandate for private hospital doctors to prescribe generic medicines instead of expensive branded ones to their patients. As part of this initiative, the government will initially require doctors to prescribe generic medicines for Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) beneficiaries in private hospitals. This proposal follows complaints about doctors prescribing costly branded drugs despite the availability of cheaper generic alternatives.
An anonymous official mentioned that the health ministry had already instructed doctors in Central Government Hospitals, CGHS Wellness Centres, and Polyclinics to prescribe only generic medicines. Despite this directive, some doctors continue to prescribe branded medications, which the authorities are taking seriously.
The official further explained that the ministry plans to extend this directive to doctors in private hospitals, mandating them to prescribe generic drugs, starting with those treating CGHS patients. The instructions are expected to be issued soon.
The ministry is actively promoting the use of generic medicines. According to the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, physicians are required to prescribe drugs with generic names, ideally in capital letters.
Additionally, the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, authorizes State Medical Councils and the Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) to discipline doctors who violate these regulations.
The Department of Pharmaceuticals’ Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) has established approximately 9,000 Janaushadhi Kendras, which offer around 1,759 types of generic drugs and 280 surgical instruments.
Dr. Sharad Aggarwal, President of the Indian Medical Association, explained that many doctors in private hospitals prefer prescribing branded medicines due to their perceived quality and effectiveness. He suggested that if the government wants only generic drugs prescribed, it should ensure all drugs, including branded ones, are certified for bioavailability. Dr. Aggarwal emphasized that doctors should not be held responsible for the efficacy of medications, as they do not control drug manufacturing or pricing. He noted that patients often perceive government-supplied medicines as less effective than those available privately, possibly due to quality differences reflected in pricing.