The Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) has come up with useful information for the people, helping them to save a huge amount on their medical expenses by simply switching over to generic drugs. As per the medicos body, this is nothing but a myth that generic medicines are poor in quality or having lesser strength than their branded counterparts because generic drugs are equal to branded drugs in terms of strength, quality, efficacy and safety. What is exciting about these drugs is the fact that they cost 80 to 90 percent less than the branded medicines as manufacturers do not have to spend on research and development besides promotion of their medicine, which is the reason behind branded drugs becoming costly. The DAK is doing good work by spreading awareness on such issues of public interest as this will help in cutting down the cost of treatment making it viable for even the poor to get the desired medicine in an affordable manner. Further, the intensity of concern that the medical fraternity in Kashmir often shows for public health, the same is missing here in Jammu Division and lacking required senility.
The government at the Centre has cautioned the doctors at government-run hospitals and health wellness centres to strictly adhere to generic medicine prescribing guidelines or face disciplinary consequences. Additionally, they have been directed to enforce strict restrictions on visits by medical representatives to hospital premises.
It is pertinent to mention that vested interests have been working overtime to spread a negative perception that because generic drugs are cheaper, these will be less effective, which is totally wrong and nothing more than a myth. Public to make aware that Generic medicines as well as non-generic medicines are monitored by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation in India and checked for harmful medicine reactions. Generic medicine does not cause any exclusive or added side effects.
Moreover, the non- generic drugs using costly branded medicines led to heavy healthcare costs which are needless and should be avoided by all means. It is a public duty to raise awareness and change perception of the society towards generic drugs. Even there are many doctors, who show inhibition in prescribing generic drugs due to lack of information. The out-of-pocket costs could be lowered significantly by switching over to generic drugs and therefore acquiring knowledge on this issue is very important in saving money and ensuring peace of mind because spending too much on medicines leads to restlessness.
To facilitate the access to the generic medicines, the centre has dedicated outlets known as Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) are opened to provide generic medicines at affordable prices. In Jammu Kashmir there are 108 such Jan Aushadi Kenras- 57 in Kashmir and 51 in Jammu Division. The scheme is being operated by government agencies as well as by private entrepreneurs, women entrepreneurs, NGOs, Societies, Charitable trusts and others. One-time incentive of Rs 2 lakh is provided for furniture, fixtures, computer & printers to the PMBJP Kendras opened in the North-Eastern States, Himalayan States, and backward areas.
One should not close the eyes towards the hard realities of JAKs in Jammu and Kashmir as a very large number of generic drugs are not available in these stores and most of the medicines remain in short supply. Some stores are shut down while holding the sign-boards intact that adore the facade. It is crucial to change the negative perception surrounding generic drugs by educating the public about its benefits. Reportedly, the generic drug use has increased over the time but in J&K doctors continue to dole out expensive therapies when equally effective and cheaper versions are available. This practice needs to be curbed for the benefit of one and all.
