Concerns Over NMC’s 2023 Rule Suspending Generic Drug Mandate
Written by Arushi Sharma, Susi
The year 2023 brought a pivotal change as the NMC (National Medical Council) announced the suspension of the generic drug mandate, raising a tide of concerns across the healthcare landscape. While the decision may have been rooted in complex considerations, its implications are far-reaching.
The Registered Medical Practitioner (Professional Conduct) Regulations of the 2023 NMC initially required doctors to prescribe generic drugs in order to reduce healthcare costs. However, following objections from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Federation of Resident Doctors Association, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has temporarily suspended this mandate.
Concerns have been raised about the quality and efficacy of generic drugs due to a lack of standardized testing and approval. Branded drugs, according to critics, provide more consistent quality. While doctors supported the cost-cutting goal, they were concerned about the directive's impact on care quality.
IMA’s leadership claimed the rule weakens medical professionals’ autonomy, shifting decision-making to pharmacists.
The NMC’s regulation aimed to lower expenses but faced opposition due to doubts about generic drug safety and its impact on comprehensive medical care.
Dr Rajeev Sood, Vice Chancellor of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, too opposed the order saying samples of generic medicines are not tested, and quality is not assured. “The pharmaceutical sector is highly regulated in India but testing available medicines is complex. Samples and templates lack quality testing. The pharmaceutical sector and chemist shops lack regulation. While doctors prescribe, chemists can provide any medicine.”