It was resolved that all IMA members shall write drugs with chemical or generic name in capital letters

A resolution was passed at the recent working committee meeting of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) that is likely to have the direct benefit of making drugs more accessible and affordable.

It was resolved that all IMA members “shall write drugs with chemical or generic name in capital letters, and the name of the pharmaceutical company or the brand in brackets.”

The same resolution also urged members to prescribe drugs rationally, and to find the cheapest version of the drug while ensuring that quality is retained. The IMA is a pan-Indian voluntary organisation of doctors of modern medicine, and has a membership of 2.5 lakh across the country.

Interestingly, this move follows a letter sent to Health Minister J.P. Nadda by K.K. Agarwal, general secretary, IMA, on the issue of drug price variation. Dr. Agarwal said the IMA had recently analysed the price variation of brands available for common life-saving antibiotics and anti-cancer drugs in the market and found huge variations in the MRP — a fact, he pointed out, that was inimical to the common man.

“The IMA is very concerned at these huge drug price variations,” Dr. Agarwal told The Hindu. “And we think that this should be controlled immediately.”

For instance, a 1gm vial of Meropenem, an injectable, broad-spectrum antibiotic that can treat a variety of infections, is sold at a minimum price of Rs. 592, but the maximum goes up to Rs. 2800. Pemetrexed, a chemotherapy drug, at 500 mg, is sold for Rs. 16,500 and also Rs. 73,660. “Our concern is the patient has a right to choose a cheaper drug, in consultation with his or her doctor,” Dr. Agarwal said.

The IMA has hired a pharmacist to guide patients toward cheaper medicines. “He will make suggestions if cheaper versions are available, and if the consultant agrees, then the patient can shift.” A patient who is on treatment for cancer and paying up to Rs. 12 lakh for drugs will benefit, as the spending will be nearly halved, according to Dr. Agarwal.

It remains to be seen if this move, along with the Centre’s Jan Aushadhi Scheme outlets to sell generic medicines, can finally make access to generics easier in India.