PRESCRIBING BY GENERIC NAME: PROS AND CONS

Abstract
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued new regulations that require all doctors to prescribe
generic medications. If they do not, they will be penalized and their license to practice medicine may be
suspended temporarily, according to news that was reported in The Times of India on August 13, 2023. In
its "Regulations relating to Professional Conduct of Registered Medical Practitioners," the NMC urged
physicians to abstain from providing name-brand generic medications. The entry of generic medicines in
market brought a revolutionary change in healthcare system and the market share is continuously
increasing. Because these are genuine, trustworthy, safe, affordable, and available to everyone, the
society's poor and needy groups benefit. Now there is an option available against the high-cost branded
medicines. The Indian government is doing a lot to increase access to generic medications in both urban
and rural areas, as well as to raise awareness among the public that these medications are just as effective
and safe as name-brand medications. Generic medications are distributed to consumers through retail
establishments and by e-pharmacies. Throughout the nation, the government has opened thousands of
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK), where people can purchase generic medications
for a significantly reduced price. The research used to create this article included a look at where generic medications can be obtained outside of PMBJK, a price comparison of generic and branded medications, and an analysis of the factors that contribute to generic medications' lower cost.