Minister for Health and Medical Education Mr. Bali Baghat today said media can change people’s perception and motivate them to purchase generic drugs, which are available at affordable prices.The Minister was speaking at a function organized under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushudhi Pariyojana here today.Pitching for promotion of generic drugs, he stressed that people have to update their knowledge how to differentiate between quality and sub-standard drugs.“Quality of medicines cannot be gauged by brand but how it is manufactured,” Mr. Baghat said.“The big challenge for us in Jammu and Kashmir is to make people understand that generic drugs are quality drugs and come in the market after passing all tests and approval of Drug and Food Controller Department. I believe, Media can play an effective role in creating awareness and change the people’s perception about these drugs.”
The Minister said that branded medicines are sold at significantly higher prices in India and given the widespread poverty across the country, making these reasonably priced and quality medicines available in the market would benefit everyone.
He said in government hospitals a close check is being maintained to ensure that the doctors prescribe generic and not brand name of drugs to the patients. “A carbon copy of each prescription is kept as record to ensure that the doctors prescribe only generic names and the medicines available in hospitals free of cost” he said. He warned strict action against the violators.The Minister also directed the officials of concerned department to organise workshops, invite civil society and go for wider publicity in order to make people understand about quality medicines.Earlier, the Minister was informed that 700 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras in various districts of the country provide 800 items including 646 medicines, 154 surgical items and consumables.The Minister was informed that in J&K, the target is to establish 100 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras.