Government today said prescription of generic medicines has been made compulsory in the government hospitals.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Chemical and Fertilizer Minister Ananth Kumar said, the Health Ministry has sent an advisory to the government hospitals in this connection.
Replying to a media query, Mr Kumar said the government is committed to promote use of generic medicines and will bring amendments in Drug and Cosmetic Act soon.
Asked some doctors are still not prescribing the generic medicines despite Medical Council of India order, the Minister said doctors will be pursued to do so. He said, it now now must for all pharma companies to specify name of generic medicine along with brand name.
He said government is trying to build a network of generic medicines. He said government cannot stop people from buying branded medicines but it will do its best to promote generic medicines.
Mr Kumar said, Jan Aushadhi scheme is creating a silent revolution in health security status of the country.
The Minister said, 29 states and 419 districts have been covered under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana. He said, government is committed to provide health security to the people of the especially poor section of the society.
