Generic names or a dose of medicine for doctors

By Ananda Kannangara

The Health Care and Nutrition Ministry will take stern action against doctors and other medical practitioners who prescribe drugs for patients under the trade names instead of its generic names.

According to the Government's new regulations, prescribing drugs under trade names has been banned by the Health Ministry from January 1, this year.

It is reported that issuing prescriptions by doctors in the generic names was made compulsory under the Drugs and Cosmetic Equipment Act No. 27 of 1980. This decision is also in keeping with the National Drug Policy (NDP), implemented by the late Prof. Senaka Bibile. Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said the new regulation of prescribing all drugs by its generic names will help patients to cut down the costs of high priced drugs.

"The use of generic names, instead of trade names will also prevent the risks associated with brand names," he said.

Citing an example, the Minister said that drugs that are prescribed by doctors for high blood pressure range from Rs. 7.00 to Rs. 100 each but under the present regulations a drug which has the same effect and quality can be purchased at Rs. 7.00 each.

"However, there is a possibility of private pharmacists substituting trade names of the drugs at exorbitant prices," he said.