aaaaafggguy77655wqSyllabus: GS II & V– Health, Government Policies and Interventions

Why in the News?

Rising healthcare costs due to expensive branded medicines have renewed attention on the need to expand access to generic medicines in Northeast India. Despite the availability of cheaper alternatives through government schemes, the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in the region remains low, limiting their reach.

The Growing Problem of Expensive Medicines

Healthcare expenditure in India often pushes families into financial stress. One major reason is the high cost of branded prescription drugs.

Branded medicines are often much more expensive than their generic equivalents, even though they contain the same active ingredients.

Patients usually buy branded medicines because doctors prescribe them directly, leaving little choice.

Generic medicines provide a practical solution because they can cost 50 to 80 percent less than branded alternatives.

Government Initiative: Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana

To address high drug prices, the Government launched the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana.

The scheme operates through Jan Aushadhi Kendras, which sell quality generic medicines at affordable prices.

Key Features of the Scheme

• Medicines sold at 50–80 percent lower prices than branded drugs.
• Operated through pharmacies run by entrepreneurs, non-governmental organisations, and private entities.
• Implemented by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India, which ensures procurement and quality control.
• The government has set a target of opening 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across India by March 2027.

Current Situation in Northeast India

• Total Kendras in India: 18,255.
• Kendras in Northeast India: 394.
• Kendras in Assam: 179, the highest in the region.

However, Assam alone has over 26,000 villages and more than 200 towns, indicating that access remains inadequate.

Major Challenges in Promoting Generic Medicines

• Lack of Trust: Many patients doubt the quality and effectiveness of generic medicines, even though they undergo strict testing.
• Prescription Practices: Doctors often prescribe only branded medicines, despite regulatory guidelines.
• Limited Awareness: Public awareness campaigns about generic medicines have not effectively changed consumer behaviour.
• Market Pressure: Pharmaceutical companies sometimes influence prescription patterns, which discourages generic medicine usage.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

• The Medical Council of India Circular of 2017 made it mandatory for doctors to prescribe medicines using generic names.
• The National Medical Commission Act, 2019 allows disciplinary action against doctors who violate ethical prescription rules.
• States are advised to conduct regular prescription audits in public hospitals.

These regulations aim to ensure that patients receive affordable treatment options.

Quality Assurance Mechanisms

• Medicines are sourced only from World Health Organization Good Manufacturing Practices certified manufacturing plants.
• One hundred percent of medicine batches are tested before distribution.
• Testing is carried out in laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories.

These measures ensure that generic medicines are safe and therapeutically equivalent to branded medicines.

Way Forward

• Increase the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in rural and urban areas of the Northeast.
• Encourage doctors to prescribe generic medicines in hospitals.
• Establish Jan Aushadhi pharmacies inside government hospitals.
• Build public confidence through certification and local language awareness campaigns.
• Provide incentives to entrepreneurs to open more pharmacies in remote regions.

Such measures will help ensure that affordable healthcare becomes a reality for millions of people in the region.

Important Terms Explained

• Generic Medicines: Drugs that contain the same active ingredients as branded medicines but are sold under non-proprietary names at lower prices.
• Jan Aushadhi Kendra: Government-supported pharmacy outlets that sell low-cost generic medicines.
• World Health Organization Good Manufacturing Practices: International standards that ensure medicines are produced and controlled according to quality guidelines.
• Prescription Audit: A review process used by health authorities to examine whether doctors are prescribing medicines appropriately.
• National Medical Commission: The regulatory body responsible for medical education and professional standards in India.

Key Takeaways

• Generic medicines are a cost-effective solution to rising healthcare expenses.
• The Jan Aushadhi scheme aims to provide affordable medicines to the public.
• Expanding these pharmacies in Northeast India can significantly improve healthcare access and reduce financial burden on families.

Mains Question

Discuss the role of generic medicines in improving healthcare affordability in India. Examine the challenges in expanding their use in regions such as Northeast India.

One-line Wrap:

Expanding access to generic medicines through Jan Aushadhi Kendras can significantly reduce healthcare costs and strengthen affordable healthcare in Northeast India.