Punjab Government Mandates Generic Medicines to Reduce Patient Healthcare Costs
In a significant move to alleviate the financial burden on patients, the Punjab government has issued a directive requiring all government doctors in the state to prescribe only generic medicines at public health institutions. This decision is designed to cut down on out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures, particularly benefiting economically weaker sections by ensuring access to essential medicines without imposing additional costs on families.
Addressing High Out-of-Pocket Healthcare Expenses
Punjab is known for having one of the higher levels of out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure in India, surpassing the national average. According to data from the Comprehensive Annual Modular Survey conducted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation for the period from July 2022 to June 2023, the average medical expense per hospitalisation in the state was Rs 8,306 for rural households and Rs 8,272 for urban households. These costs are often covered through personal savings or loans, placing a significant strain on household finances.
Official Order and Compliance Measures
The official order states, "In compliance with the directions of the Government of India, all government doctors are instructed to prescribe only generic medicines in all Punjab Health Systems Corporation health institutions." It specifies that all prescriptions must include only the generic name of the medicine, written clearly in capital letters, with brand names strictly prohibited. Doctors are also directed to ensure that prescribed medicines are available through government supply channels, Jan Aushadhi Kendras, or other approved generic medicine outlets.
To enforce this policy, Medical Superintendents, District Medical and Civil Surgeons (DMCS), and Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) are tasked with conducting periodic checks of prescriptions to ensure strict adherence. Any deviation from these instructions will be taken seriously and may result in administrative action as per applicable rules.
Support from Medical Associations and Implementation Challenges
Dr. Akhil Sarin, President of the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA), confirmed that the medical cadre is strictly following the new directives, with prescriptions being issued based on medicines available within public healthcare setups. He noted, "The move seems to be primarily aimed at reducing the out-of-pocket expenditure of underserved patients." However, Dr. Sarin emphasized the need for the government to simultaneously ensure a streamlined supply of medicines through its warehouses and provide adequate budgetary support for purchasing drugs and consumables that are not currently available, to enable effective implementation of the policy.
This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance healthcare accessibility and affordability in Punjab, aligning with national guidelines to promote generic medicines and reduce financial barriers for patients across the state.
