For Lakshmi, a 26-year-old construction worker from north Karnataka living in Bengaluru’s Uttarahalli, securing the right medication for her three-year-old daughter turned into a formidable challenge. The general physician they consulted prescribed a specific brand of medicine for the child’s viral infection, but it was nowhere to be found in nearby pharmacies. Lakshmi recounted her husband’s ordeal, explaining, “He went to at least eight medical stores and couldn’t find the syrup.” It took three days and a return visit to the doctor to obtain an alternative that was immediately available.
This struggle isn’t isolated. India’s medical regulations, such as Clause 1.5 of the Indian Medical Council’s guidelines from 2002, instruct doctors to prescribe medication using generic names whenever possible. Yet, the practice of prescribing branded drugs persists, despite advisories from bodies like the National Medical Commission (NMC) in 2023 emphasizing generic prescriptions except in special cases. This ongoing practice has left many patients, like Anil B. from Sarakki, scrambling to find hard-to-source branded medications. His elderly mother only received her necessary antibiotics after he intervened and tracked down a generic version.
Similarly, Anusha Karthik of Yeshwantpur faced confusion and frustration when she couldn’t acquire a specific branded medicine prescribed by her doctor, despite ample availability of generic alternatives. “I was hesitant because my doctor specifically mentioned the brand,” she said, illustrating a significant dilemma faced by many patients unsure about the efficacy of generic drugs.
Surabhi Rao from Basavanagudi shared a comparable experience involving medication for her auto-immune condition. She discovered that while Jan Aushadhi Kendras offer generics at lower costs, her uncertainty lingered because her doctor recommended the branded version.
A general physician in Subramanyapura explained his preference for branded medications, suggesting variations in quality and effectiveness between generics and their branded counterparts. “In chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, some branded medicines demonstrate more consistent results,” he stated, opting to remain anonymous.
The relationship between healthcare providers and pharmaceutical brands is often financially incentivized, as a local pharmacist revealed. “Doctors receive commissions and even sponsored perks for prescribing specific brands,” he noted, emphasizing that these practices are deeply embedded within the healthcare system.
Dr. Gopal Dabade, a medical activist and member of Jagruti and the Drug Action Forum – Karnataka, highlighted the need for stricter regulation within the private sector, which dominates India’s healthcare landscape. “Doctors are co-opted by the drug industry’s aggressive marketing, leaving poor patients particularly vulnerable,” Dr. Dabade pointed out. Although Jan Aushadhi Kendras have made inroads, he urges for more significant regulatory oversight to ensure generic drugs are the norm, mitigating the biases towards branded pharmaceuticals.
Ultimately, the continued preference for branded medications over generics is symptomatic of broader systemic issues, requiring concerted effort from regulatory bodies to protect patients and ensure equitable access to healthcare. As India grapples with these challenges, the stories of patients like Lakshmi, Anil, and Surabhi underline the urgent need for transparency and reform.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/branded-medicines-over-generics-how-the-market-is-putting-patients-in-a-bind/article69379025.ece
Category : Health
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Publish Date: 2025-04-03 09:00:00
