Indian Medical Association Urges Government to Reconsider Mandatory Prescription of Generic Drugs

In a strong move, the Indian Medical Association (IMA), the premier organization representing medical professionals in India, has raised serious concerns regarding a recent notification issued by the Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC). The notification, dated August 2, 2023, mandates the prescription of only generic drugs by doctors. IMA, which boasts a membership of approximately 4 lakh doctors across various specialties and has a wide-reaching presence with 32 state branches and 1760 local branches throughout the country, is pressing for a reconsideration of this regulation.

The IMA has described the NMC’s approach towards the promotion of generic drugs as “ill-advised” and “emergency,” emphasizing that this move directly impacts patient care and safety. The NMC’s directive compels doctors to prescribe drugs using generic names only, a decision IMA argues shifts the responsibility of drug selection from the highly trained medical practitioners to pharmacists and chemists.

Dr. Rajesh Kumar, President of the IMA, voiced concerns over the quality and safety of generic drugs, stating, “Running trains without tracks is how the present promotion of Generic drugs by NMC appears to be.” The association highlights that the uncertainty surrounding the quality control of generic drugs, particularly given the weak quality control measures in the country, could potentially compromise patient health. According to IMA, less than 0.1% of drugs manufactured in India are currently tested for quality.

In a strongly worded statement, the IMA expressed that if doctors are denied the ability to prescribe branded drugs, there should be a corresponding ban on the licensing of branded drugs. The association emphasized that government efforts towards promoting generics should be coupled with stringent quality assurance measures, ensuring that patients receive high-quality drugs that can genuinely contribute to their well-being.

Dr. Manisha Singh, Secretary-General of the IMA, asserted, “Patient care and safety are not negotiable.” She urged the government to address the issue through a comprehensive and well-thought-out approach rather than hastily enforcing a regulation that might have unintended consequences on patient health.

IMA’s demand for a “one drug, one quality, one price” system aims to bring uniformity and affordability to drug pricing, while ensuring that the quality of medication remains uncompromised. The association also called for a wider consultation process involving both the government and medical professionals before implementing such a significant change.

The IMA’s response has ignited a fervent debate within the medical community and the general public. As the dialogue unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government and NMC will address the concerns raised by the IMA and whether there will be a reconsideration of the mandatory generic drug prescription directive.

For now, the medical fraternity and concerned citizens are watching closely, hoping for a resolution that balances the need for affordable medication with the imperative of patient safety and quality healthcare.