Writing brand name of drugs not illegal : Dr. Girish Tyagi, Delhi Medical Council

There has been a lot of apprehension and confusion regarding the prescription practices after the recent notification of MCI that doctors should write generic names of drugs in the prescriptions and any violation for the same shall be treated as misconduct and violator shall be subjected to disciplinary action.

Medical Dialogues team met up with Dr. Girish Tyagi Registrar Delhi Medical Council to clarify the points of the recent notification of medical council of India dated 21/04/2017. Here are some of the major excerpts from the Interview

MD Team -What are the norms for writing the prescription as per Delhi Medical Council?

Dr. Tyagi - As per the recent notification of MCI Dated 21/04/2017 the prescription should be legible, PREFERABLY in capital letters, SHOULD prescribe drugs with generic names and there should be rational prescription and use of drugs.

MD Team - Recent notification of MCI has made it mandatory for doctors to write generic prescription for medicine prescribed by them. This has caused lot of confusion in the mind of doctors. Can doctor provide brand name along with generic name?

Dr. Tyagi - Firstly MCI circular does-not make it mandatory to write generic names of drugs, however it is advised by the council that a physician should write the generic name of drugs being prescribed by him should be legible and there should be rational. Yes, a doctor along with the generic name of drugs can mention brand name of drugs since there is no quality and pricing control on generic medicine and it is not wise to leave the patient on the mercy of the next door chemist.

MD Team - Does writing brand name along with generic name illegal or not?

Dr. Tyagi - No, it is not illegal a doctor can mention name of brands along with generic name of drugs.

MD Team - What are the implication if a doctor does-not write generic name of drugs in prescription?

Dr. Tyagi - As per MCI, it is not mandatory to write generic name of drugs but it is advisable by MCI. As per MCI circular dated 21/04/2017 clause 1.5 – “Use of generic names of drugs- 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.”

MD Team - What is a rational prescription?

Dr. Tyagi - Every practitioner while writing the prescription should make the prescription legible by writing in capital letters and make descriptive by writing the generic content of the drug being prescribed as well as the dose, strength and route of administration as well as duration. The prescription should have rational use of drugs and should have proper selection of drugs and should not be over prescribing drugs to patients.

Attached below is the MCI Notification