Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, stated that India currently supplies almost 30 percent of generic medicines globally, which reflects the country's growing role in affordable healthcare worldwide.
Responding during the question hour in the Lok Sabha, the Minister said that India remains the pharmacy of the world and the largest manufacturer and exporter of generic medicines. The Minister also stated that the government is working to increase the use of generic medicines within India, so that the out-of-pocket expenses of ordinary citizens can be reduced.
Addressing concerns about whether private doctors can be directed to prescribe generic medicines, the Minister said that under the Indian Medical Council Regulations, 2000, all registered medical practitioners are required to prescribe generic medicines and follow rational prescription practices.
She said that the government has put in place a clear rule requiring doctors to prescribe generic medicines, and is also working with state governments to ensure stronger compliance in public health facilities.
The Minister stated that the Centre is in continuous engagement with states on this issue and is pushing for wider adoption of generic prescriptions in both central and state-run hospitals to reduce the financial burden on patients.
The Minister further stated that under the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019, any new drug must establish bioavailability and bioequivalence with the innovator drug before receiving approval and must ensure that generic alternatives meet scientific and regulatory benchmarks.
Highlighting the government's regulatory oversight, the minister said that drug quality is routinely monitored through market surveillance.
The Minister informed the House that the government remains committed to ensuring that all medicines available to Indian citizens meet prescribed standards and to promote more affordable healthcare.