Baramulla, Dec 11 : Yasir Naik, Youth leader of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (JKPDP) in Baramulla, has highlighted a critical issue affecting patients who are unable to complete prescribed treatment due to the high cost of branded medicines. Yasir Naik said many patients prescribed five medicines manage to buy only two because of financial hardship, threatening their recovery and long-term health.
Yasir Naik pointed out that national medical regulations already require doctors to prescribe medicines by their generic or “salt” names instead of company brand names. According to the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, updated under the National Medical Commission (NMC) framework, every registered medical practitioner should prescribe drugs using generic names written legibly and avoid unnecessary or irrational fixed-dose combinations. These guidelines are intended to promote rational prescribing and make medications more affordable for patients.
He explained that writing the generic name allows pharmacists and patients to choose the most cost-effective options available locally, including medicines from government outlets such as Jan Aushadhi Kendras, which are often significantly cheaper than branded counterparts. Research shows generic medicines can cost 30 to 80 percent less than branded drugs, reducing the financial burden on families.
Yasir Naik appealed to health authorities, hospital administrations, and individual practitioners to strictly follow these generic prescribing guidelines. He stressed that prescribing by salt name is not simply a recommendation but a professional responsibility that can improve access to treatment for economically vulnerable patients.
He also called on state and district health officials to monitor prescription practices and raise awareness among medical professionals about the existing norms, ensuring patients can afford and complete their prescribed courses of treatment.
Press Release End……
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