Doctors in India raise concerns about new mandate to prescribe generically or risk suspension

Doctors in India have raised concerns about a new rule, which came into effect on 2 August, that requires them to prescribe drugs using generic names and avoid referring to specific brands.

The Indian Medical Association said that the regulation was “a matter of great concern since it directly impacts patients’ care and safety.” It has asked that it be deferred until the government can assure the quality of all drugs manufactured in India.

The directive from the National Medical Commission, which regulates doctors in India, said that failure to comply with the rule could lead to a doctor’s licence being suspended for up to a month.1

The commission said that generic drugs are 30-80% cheaper than branded drugs …