Generic Drugs in Rural Areas

New Delhi, April 27, 2016:Public Health is a state subject. Under the National Health Mission (NHM), support is provided to State for strengthening their healthcare system including support for provision of free generic drugs to those who access public health facilities including in rural areas, based on the requirement posed by the States/UTs in their Programme Implementation Plans. Under NHM, an incentive of upto 5% additional funding is provided to those states that implement policy and systems to provide free essential drugs(in generic form) to all those who access public health facilities.

A number of steps have been taken by the Government to promote use of generic medicines. Circulars/ instructions have been issued from time to time to all Central Government hospitals, CGHS dispensaries and State Governments for encouraging prescription of generic medicines. The Code of Medical Ethics under Indian Medical Council Regulations, 2002 also mandates prescription of drugs with generic names. Operational Guidelines on Free Drugs Service Initiative under NHM provide, inter alia that all drugs procured, distributed and prescribed under this initiative shall be generic drugs and States should also undertake IEC and orientation workshops for doctors to promote prescription of generics drugs .

While no such information is maintained at Central level, all the states have notified a policy to provide essential drugs (in generic form) in public health facilities.

Public Health being a state subject, the primary responsibility of providing improved access to generic drugs lies with the State/UT governments. Under the National Health Mission (NHM), financial support is provided to the States/UTs for strengthening their healthcare delivery system including support for provision of free generic drugs to those who access public health facilities based on the requirement posed by the States/UTs in their Programme Implementation Plans. Under NHM, an incentive of up to 5% additional funding is provided to those states that implement policy and systems to provide free drugs to all those who access public health facilities. To facilitate States to roll out free drugs service initiative, Operational Guidelines have been prepared and shared with States which provide, inter alia that all drugs procured, distributed and prescribed under this initiative shall be generic drugs and States should also undertake IEC to promote generic drugs and organise orientation workshops for doctors to promote prescription of generics drugs .

Further, the central government has launched the Jan Aushadhi Scheme to make available generic medicines at affordable prices to all through Jan Aushadhi Stores (JAS).