Doctors To Face Disciplinary Action If They Prescribe Brand Name Drug: MCI Issues Circular

Now, If you consult a doctor for fever, and if he prescribes ‘crocin’ or ‘dolo’ (brand-name drug) instead of ‘paracetamol’ (generic name drug), he can face disciplinary action from Medical Council of India.

The Medical Council of India has asked all the registered Medical Practitioners to ensure that they prescribe drugs with generic names only. The Council also warns disciplinary action against those found violating these regulations and has also directed all concerned to give wide publicity to the regulations.

The move is meant to prevent doctors from prescribe brand-name drugs that are usually significantly costlier.  Generic drugs are copies of brand-name drugs that have exactly the same dosage, intended use, effects, side effects, route of administration, risks, safety, and strength as the original drug.

The Circular quotes the 2016 amendment of Indian medical council professional conduct ethics regulations 2002, which says 1.5 Use of Generic names of drugs: “Every physician should prescribe drugs with generic names legibly and preferably in capital letters and he/she shall ensure that there is a rational prescription and use of drugs”.

Earlier, the Prime Minister had announced that the government intended to move a law to ensure that doctors prescribe medicines by their generic names only.

Read the Circular here.