Generic Medicines

Medicines available for various ailments can be put into three categories — generic medicines, branded generics and branded medicines. A generic medicine is sold under its chemical name. There is no brand name attached. To illustrate, paracetamol 650 mg tablets sold for pain and fever. Branded generic carries both the chemical name and the brand name. To illustrate, paracetamol 650 mg, and the brand name is Crocin Advanced. Branded medicines are purely brand names strongly associated with a pharmaceutical company, say Digene tablets for acidity or Corex cough syrup by Pfizer. Chemical names are statutorily required to be on the label, but they are not given prominence. Doctors prescribe these medicines by brand names. Generics and branded medicines have a price difference; at times the branded medicines are 50 to 80 per cent costlier. The premium is charged for the brand name, and development costs and perceived higher quality. However, generic medicines too have quality since they are tested by government approved labs. The distribution of genetic medicines is through Jan Aushadhi outlets, though each ordinary licensed chemist too can sell them. All generics too qualify for GMP certification. The state promotes the use of generics. The generics should be widely distributed to bring affordable medicines within the reach of the masses.