(a) whether any programme is being implemented by the Government
to encourage and bring awareness among people to use generic
medicines in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the percentage of use of generic medicines have increased
during the last three years; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND
PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS
AND FERTILIZERS (SHRI SRIKANT KUMAR JENA)
(a) &(b) Jan Aushadhi Campaign has been initiated by the Government of India,
Department of Pharmaceuticals in November, 2008 for promoting the generic drugs
in the country by way of opening of the Jan Aushadhi Drug Stores in the Government
Hospitals. Under this campaign, at least one Jan Aushadhi Store in each district
of the country is to be opened initially followed by five Jan Aushadhi stores in
each district. The objective of the Government through this campaign is to make
available quality generic medicines at affordable prices for all. To encourage
and bring awareness among the people to use generic medicines, States where Jan
Aushadhi campaign has already been launched, media campaign is undertaken by
such States with the support of the Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India under the
Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India.
Besides above Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has issued directions to Government
Hospitals to ensure prescription by their specialists/doctors to prescribe generic
medicines to the maximum extent possible.
(c)&(d) The data regarding increase of percentage of use of generic medicines is
not maintained by Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertakings of India (BPPI) under
the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India.