Prescribe generic medicines, no brand names: Punjab tells government doctors

Health officials have underlined that generic medicines contain the same salts and meet the same safety and efficacy standards as branded drugs, but are available at significantly lower costs. The primary objective, they said, is to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure, particularly for economically weaker patients who rely heavily on public health services.

Welcoming the directive, Punjab Civil Medical Services Association president Dr. Akhil Sarin told Hindustan Times, “The move seems to be primarily aimed at reducing the out-of-pocket expenditure of the underserved patients. The cadre is already on it, and drugs are being prescribed from the ones available in the public healthcare setups itself. The government should continue its endeavours to ensure a streamlined supply of drugs through its warehouses, coupled with adequate budget for purchase of those drugs/consumables that are not available in the warehouses, so that the instructions can be duly implemented.”

From an administrative standpoint, a senior Punjab health department official explained the supply-side measures being strengthened to support doctors in complying with the order.

“To ensure uninterrupted availability of medicines at government health facilities, the Punjab government has strengthened its procurement and monitoring mechanisms. Under revised SOPs, hospitals have been directed to proactively assess consumption trends, maintain optimal stock levels and place timely indents to avoid shortages. In cases where state supplies face delays, hospital in-charges have been empowered to undertake interim local procurement for short durations, ensuring patient care is not disrupted”, he added.

The directive is also being viewed as an effort to break the alleged nexus between some hospital doctors and medical representatives of branded pharmaceutical companies. There have been instances where brand-name drugs were prescribed despite the availability of equivalent generics in hospital pharmacies, placing additional financial burden on patients. Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh has repeatedly voiced concern over this issue and, during a recent surprise visit to the Civil Hospital in Patiala, reportedly found doctors prescribing branded medicines.

Reiterating the government’s position, another senior health department official said, “We have been taking action as and when we receive such complaints against the doctors. Medical superintendents and senior medical officers must strictly comply with these instructions and conduct periodic prescription checks. Any deviation from these instructions will be viewed seriously and may attract administrative action as per applicable rules.”