New Delhi, March 27 The Centre is working with states to promote the greater use of generic medicines in government hospitals, said Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel on Friday.
Responding to a supplementary question in the Lok Sabha, Patel said that according to National Medical Council regulations, all registered practitioners are required to prescribe generic medicines.
"Central government hospitals have been instructed to prescribe generic medicines. State medical councils have also been advised to do the same... We are in talks with state governments. The goal is to ensure that all doctors prescribe generic medicine," the minister stated.
Both generic and branded medicines available in the market are subject to routine checks to ensure quality, safety, and efficacy standards, she added.
Patel further stated that the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras has increased from 80 before 2014 to 18,000 currently.
Over 2,100 medicines, including those for cancer and diabetes, as well as surgical equipment, are available at a 50-90% discount. This has resulted in savings of Rs 38,000 crore for the common man, she informed the House.