New Delhi: The Centre has alerted doctors of hospitals run by the central government and CGHS wellness centres/polyclinics to prescribe generic medicines only and if they fail to do so then strict action will be taken against them.
According to the office Order issued by Director General Health Services (DGHS), "It is to be noted that all the Doctors in the Central Government Hospitals/CGHS Wellness Centers / Polyclinics have been instructed time and again to prescribe generic medicines only. Despite this, it has been observed that Doctors (including Residents) in some instances continue to prescribe branded medicines. This has been viewed strictly by the competent authority."
"This may be noted by all heads of institutions, and they may ensure strict compliance by the doctors working under them." It reads further.
In the office order, this has been mentioned clearly that if somebody if anyone continues to be non-compliant then further action will be taken, "If anyone continues to be non-compliant, he/she shall be liable for further action."
Further, it may be ensured that visits of medical representatives to hospital premises are completely curtailed. Any information about a new launch may be communicated by way of email only.
A generic medicine is required to be the same as a brand-name medicine in dosage, safety, effectiveness, strength, stability, and quality, as well as in the way it is taken.
Generic drugs tend to cost less than their brand-name counterparts because generic drug applicants do not have to repeat animal and clinical (human) studies that were required of the brand-name medicines to demonstrate safety and effectiveness. (with Agency inputs)
