Question : Prescribing Generic Medicines

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

(a) the details of the efforts being made by the Government to promote and encourage doctors to prescribe generic medicines as these medicines are cheaper than branded medicines;

(b) the details of the efforts being made to open Jan Aushadhi Stores in all of the medical colleges, district hospitals and private hospitals;

(c) whether Indian Medical Association and Indian Medical Council have been consulted in order to promote the use of generic medicines in the country; and

(d) if so, the outcome thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS; MINISTRY OF SHIPPING AND MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
(SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA)

(a) In order to promote generic medicines, a countrywide campaign for ensuring availability of quality generic medicines at affordable prices to all, in the name of “Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana” (PMBJP) has been started. As on date, there are 761 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK) functioning over 26 States/UTs in the country.
In order to encourage doctors to prescribe generic medicines, the Medical Council of India has amended the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002 on 08.10.2016 to provide a new para 1.5 regarding use of generic names of drugs which provides as under:
“Every physician should prescribe drugs with generic names legibly and preferably in capital letters and he/she shall ensure that there is a rational prescription and use of drugs.”
(b) All the State Governments have been requested to open the PMBJKs in each and every District Hospital, Primary Health Centre, etc. Out of 761 PMBJKs, 252 PMBJKs have been opened in Government Sector including medical colleges, district hospitals and 509 PMBJKs have been opened in Private Sector including private hospitals.
For opening PMBJKs in Government Hospitals / Medical College premises, one-time financial assistance upto Rs. 2.50 lakh is provided as per the details given below:
(i) Rs. 1 lakh reimbursement of furniture and fixtures.
(ii) Rs. 1 lakh by way of free medicines in the beginning.
(iii) Rs. 0.50 lakh as reimbursement for computer, internet, printer, scanner, etc.
For PMBJKs run by private entrepreneurs / pharmacists / NGOs / NGOs & Charitable organizations that are linked with BPPI headquarters through internet (using BPPI provided software) will get incentive upto 2.5 lakhs. This will be given @ 15% of monthly sales subject to a ceiling of Rs 10,000/ per month upto total limit of 2.5 lakhs. In NE states, and naxal affected areas, tribal areas, the rate of incentive will be 15% and subject to monthly ceiling of Rs. 15,000/- upto total limit of 2.5 lakhs.
(c) & (d) Yes, Indian Medical Association and Indian Medical Council are supporting PMBJP to promote the use of generic medicines. As noted in reply to part (a) above, Medical Council of India has amended the code to promote the use of generic medicines.

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