Srinagar, Jan 22: Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Friday urged doctors in Jammu and Kashmir (JK) to prescribe generic drugs instead of branded medicines.
“That would make drugs accessible to poor patients who are not able to buy expensive branded medicines,” said DAK President Dr Nisar ul Hassan.
“Generic medicines are copycat versions of branded drugs and are equal to their branded counterparts in terms of strength, quality, efficacy and safety. They cost 80 to 90 percent less than the branded medicines as manufactures do not have to spend on the development and promotion of the drug,” he said.
DAK President said more than 24 lakh people in JK do not have access to medicines due to lack of purchasing power.
“Majority of the cancer patients die for want of treatment because they cannot afford expensive branded drugs,” he said.
“Generic drugs make treatment affordable for cancer patients and, as a result, save lives.”
“Research has shown that generic drugs significantly reduce deaths among cancer patients,” Dr Nisar said.
“Two studies published in the Lancet medical journal have found that the use of two inexpensive generic drugs – aromatase inhibitors and Bisphosphonates – significantly improved survival rates in postmenopausal women with breast cancer.”
“With the introduction of generic form of “Gleevec”, the drug used for blood cancer, many lives were saved,” he said.
“Use of generic drugs in other chronic medical conditions, like diabetes, hypertension and other cardiovascular ailments would result in long term adherence to essential therapies.”
“It was because of generic drugs that saved millions of lives with AIDS,” he added.
Dr Nisar said while generic drug use has increased over time, in JK doctors continue to dole out expensive branded drugs when equally effective and cheaper versions are available.
“There is a perception generated that because generic drugs are cheaper, they will be less effective.
We need to raise awareness among people that would change their perception towards generic drugs.
More education for both doctors and patients would increase the prescriptions and use of generic drugs,” he said.
