Summary:
Taking a step forward to give a boost to the affordable generic medicines, the central government has decided to make it mandatory for all pharmacies to display generic drugs on a separate shelf. Even if the medicines are displayed in a separate rack, patients have to be ready to go for them.” DCGI directed state regulators to ensure that generic medicines are visible to consumers.Kailas Tandale, president, Maharashtra Registered Pharmacists’ Association (MRPA), said, “The circular regarding the boost to generic medicines is a good decision, but a single circular will not meet the requirement. Many times the poor patients who do not even have the capacity to pay for branded medicines cannot go for the generic medicines even if it is available. The step was recommended by the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), the country’s highest drug advisory body on technical matters, at its meeting in February..