Orders from the National Medical Commission (NMC) which had barred doctors from prescribing medicines other than generic drug, has been put on hold for now.
The National Medical Commission Registered Medical Practitioner (professional conduct) Regulations “are hereby held in abeyance with immediate effect,” the NMC said through a gazette notification, citing the need for ‘removal of doubts.
The regulatory body had stated that since generic medicines are 30 to 80 percent cheaper than branded drugs, this new rule would lower healthcare costs. However, the doctor argued that the quality control of generic medicines being weak in India could lead to a patient’s life at risk.
The new regulation released on August 2 faced a severe backlash from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) as well as the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA). However, the decision to put it on hold was made after the IMA and Federation of Resident Doctors Association approached the centre and union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
“Grand Victory for IMA against the 2023 Regulations Notified by @NMC_IND! The entire set of 2023 Regulations that were notified by the NMC has been held in abeyance. A heartfelt thanks to Health Minister Shri @mansukhmandviya for his receptive approach and for considering the concerns raised by IMA. This victory belongs to every single member of IMA who stood together raised their voices, and displayed unprecedented unity…,” posted the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on X.
