Punitive action for doctors prescribing branded drugs: Chhattisgarh CM

RAIPUR: Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Bhupesh Baghel has said that doctors in government hospitals will face punitive action if they prescribe branded drugs instead of generic drugs.

The CM, on Monday, had chaired a review meeting of ‘Shri Dhanwanti Generic Medical Store’ scheme which was launched virtually in 2021, by the Urban Administration and Development Department. In this scheme, around 188 medical shops were planned in 169 cities providing low-cost generic medicines, for the benefit of poor and vulnerable population. They provide discounts ranging from 50 per cent to 71 per cent on MRP. Branded medicines are inaccessible to the majority of the population, since they are priced at considerably higher costs than the generic drugs. But doctors continue to prescribe them, because of tie-ups with the pharmaceutical companies.

The CM has promised strict penalty for those doctors who do not budge, even after repeated instructions from the government. A directive was issued to district collectors and Chief Medical and Health Officers by the Principal Secretary of the Health department to ensure compliance.