Doctors told to Prescribe Generic Drugs: Health Minister apprises parliament

New Delhi: The issue of legible and generic prescriptions was recently raised in the parliament with the Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey informing the Lok Sabha through written reply, about the steps taken by the government to ensure generic prescriptions.

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has published a draft notification for public comments vide GSR 302 for amendment of Rule 96 of the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945 to provide that the proper name of the drugs shall be printed in a conspicuous manner which shall be in the same font but at least two font size larger than the brand name or the trade name, if any.

Medical Council of India (MCI) has notified an amendment in Clause 1.5 of Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002 vide notification dated 21.09.2016, which stipulates that "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". MCI has further issued a circular on 21.04.2017 vide which all the Registered Medical Practitioners under the Indian Medical Council (IMC) Act have been directed to comply with the aforesaid provisions.

Medical Dialogues team had earlier reported that the government urged doctors to prescribe cheaper generic drugs which will be available at the Jan Aushadhi stores across the country.

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