Defer Implementation Of Rules On Generic Drugs: Doctors' Body To Government

In a statement, the association said that if doctors are not allowed to prescribe branded drugs, then why such drugs should be licensed at all.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Monday demanded that implementation of regulations that make it mandatory for doctors to prescribe generic drugs be deferred, raising concerns over the standard of drugs manufactured in India as less than 0.10 per cent are tested for quality.

In a statement, the association said that if doctors are not allowed to prescribe branded drugs, then why such drugs should be licensed at all.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) in its "regulations relating to professional conduct of registered medical practitioners" stated that all doctors must prescribe generic drugs, failing which they will be penalised and even their licence to practise may be suspended for a period.