Doctors are instructed to prescribe medications using generic names, avoiding unnecessary drugs and irrational fixed-dose combination tablets. The regulations emphasize the importance of legible prescriptions, suggesting that prescriptions be written in all caps or typed to prevent misinterpretation.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has introduced new regulations for doctors regarding the prescription of medications. These regulations mandate that all doctors must prescribe generic drugs; failure to do so can lead to penalties and potential suspension of their medical license. The NMC aims to reduce healthcare costs and improve access to quality care by promoting the use of generic medicines, which are significantly cheaper than branded drugs.
The NMC defines generic medicines as comparable to brand/reference listed products in various aspects, including dosage form, strength, administration route, quality, and intended use. Branded generic drugs, on the other hand, are produced by different companies and sold under various brand names after the original patent has expired. While they may be less expensive than the branded patent version, they are pricier than bulk-manufactured generic alternatives.
Doctors are instructed to prescribe medications using generic names, avoiding unnecessary drugs and irrational fixed-dose combination tablets. The regulations emphasize the importance of legible prescriptions, suggesting that prescriptions be written in all caps or typed to prevent misinterpretation. The NMC also provides a prescription template for rational prescription writing.
In cases of regulation violations, doctors may receive warnings or be required to attend workshops or academic programs on ethics and professional training. Repeated violations could result in the temporary suspension of the doctor's medical license.
Additionally, the NMC encourages doctors to promote the use of generic medicines by advocating for their availability in hospitals and local pharmacies. Doctors are urged to guide patients towards purchasing medications from generic pharmacy outlets and educate them about the equivalence of generic drugs to their branded counterparts. Active participation in programs related to the promotion and accessibility of generic medicines is also encouraged by the NMC. The goal is to enhance the affordability and availability of healthcare options for the public.
