Distrust over generic drugs helps branded ones thrive

Kothagudem: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on usage of generic medicine has been raising a number of questions. There are doubts prevailing among people as to how this could be possible when numerous branded companies are selling medicines giving huge margins to the retailers.

The stage has been set by the district Medical and Health Department to direct private doctors to prescribe only generic medicines. As of now, there are only four generic medical shops in the district while there are 280 private hospitals. It is learnt that the sales in the four shops have, of late, considerably improved. However, this does not mean that all people are relying on generic medicines.

The officials concerned and doctors should strive to create faith in people. The government should ensure that the quality of generic medicines is maintained. It is apparent that there are two to three RMPs in every village in the district. People say they are spending a lot on medicines than on medical tests. According to Medical and Health Officer B Venkateswarlu, doctors were not keen on prescribing generic medicines.

Chemists and druggists are giving preference to branded medicines than generic ones. District Drug Inspector Surendra says people have little faith in the generic medicine. “Although the generic medicine uses the same formula as that of branded ones, there are differences in packing. The generic companies don’t take expired products unlike the branded companies,” he added.

Chemists and Druggists Association leader P Somasekhar Rao says the sale of generic medicines is only two per cent while branded medicines worth Rs 50 lakh are being sold every day. The medical shops would come forward if margins are increased, he adds. BJP leader Avula Subba Rao lauded the Prime Minister over his decision to promote generic medicines. He said the decision would help poor and middle classes to avail medicines at low prices.

By P V Satyanarayana