📍 Strict Directive to Government Doctors
The Punjab government has directed all state government doctors to prescribe only generic medicines and strictly avoid mentioning brand names in prescriptions. The order, issued by the Punjab Health System Corporation, warns of disciplinary action in case of non-compliance.
📜 Clear Instructions in Official Letter
✍️ Generic Names in Capital Letters
According to a report by Hindustan Times, the directive was circulated to all heads of government health institutions. It specifies that prescriptions must clearly mention only the generic name of the medicine, written in capital letters and legibly. Doctors have also been instructed to ensure that prescribed drugs are available through government supply, Jan Aushadhi Kendras, or other approved generic outlets.
💰 Aim to Reduce Patient Expenses
🏥 Relief for Economically Weaker Sections
Health officials have emphasized that generic medicines contain the same active salts and meet the same safety and efficacy standards as branded drugs but are significantly cheaper. The move is intended to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure, especially for economically vulnerable patients dependent on public healthcare services.
👩⚕️ Doctors’ Body Welcomes Move
🗣️ Call for Strengthened Supply Chain
The Punjab Civil Medical Services Association has supported the decision. Its president, Dr. Akhil Sarin, stated that the move would benefit underserved patients but stressed the need for uninterrupted supply of medicines through government warehouses and adequate budget allocations for drugs not readily available.
📦 Strengthening Procurement and Monitoring
📊 Revised SOPs for Stock Management
A senior health department official explained that procurement and monitoring mechanisms have been reinforced. Hospitals have been directed to assess consumption trends, maintain optimal stock levels, and place timely indents to prevent shortages. This aims to support doctors in complying with the generic-only prescription policy.
🛒 Provision for Interim Local Purchase
🚑 Ensuring Continuity of Patient Care
In cases where state supplies are delayed, hospital in-charges have been authorized to undertake short-term local procurement. This measure is designed to ensure that patient care is not disrupted due to temporary stock shortages.
🔍 Curbing Alleged Pharma Nexus
⚖️ Action Against Brand-Name Prescriptions
The directive is also viewed as an attempt to break the alleged nexus between some doctors and representatives of branded pharmaceutical companies. Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh has previously raised concerns about brand-name prescriptions despite the availability of equivalent generics in hospital pharmacies.
🚨 Warning of Disciplinary Action
📋 Strict Compliance Mandated
Senior health officials have reiterated that medical superintendents and senior medical officers must conduct periodic prescription audits. Any deviation from the instructions will be taken seriously and may invite administrative action under applicable service rules, reinforcing the government’s commitment to transparent and cost-effective healthcare delivery.
