Reining in of Quacks and Sale of Fake Drugs
The Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, prohibits a person other than a medical practitioner enrolled on a State Medical Register to practice medicine in the State. Punishment of imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with a fine which may extend to Rs.1,000/- or both is also prescribed.
For popularizing and promoting generic drugs in the country, the Government through its agency – BPPI has been publicizing through print media to generate awareness among general public about the advantages of generic medicines and availability of generic medicines from Jan Aushadhi Stores.
Further, under NHM up to 5% funding over and above the normal allocation of the States is also provided as an incentive for those States that implement policy and systems to provide free generic medicines to all in public health facilities.
The Medical Council of India (MCI) in its regulations namely the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002 under Clause 1.5 has prescribed as under:
“Use of Generic names of drugs: Every physician should, as far as possible, prescribe drugs with generic names and he/she shall ensure that there is a rational prescription and use of drugs.”
The Health Minister, Shri J P Nadda stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.
*****
MV/LK