The Senior Citizens Community Services Trust has launched its generic drugs store at Rajagopalachari Street in Governorpet here.
Vijayawada (Central) MLA Malladi Vishnu inaugurated the generic drug store, Janaushadi pharmacy, on Monday.
On the occasion, the speakers stressed the need for launching an awareness campaign to educate the public about the benefits of buying generic drugs and force doctors to give the option to buy a cheaper version of the medicine.
Even in the United States and other developed markets, doctors write generic equivalents.
The government should make it mandatory for all doctors to write the generic or chemical name of drugs they prescribe as it would cut medicine costs by more than half, they felt.
Drug Control Administration Assistant Director Ravi Uday Kumar said that more awareness about generic drugs was necessary and the programme of Jeevana Dhara-Sanjeevani pharmacies. Dispelling notions that the generic drugs might not work effectively, he explained that the generic drugs had the same therapeutic efficacy.
Pat for citizens
Mr. Vishnu lauded the efforts of senior citizens association in launching the store. He assured them of all possible help and assistance for the welfare of senior citizens, and brining the medicines at affordable prices to the people.
Vijayawada unit of AP Senior Citizens Association Vijayawada unit president T. Hanumantha Rao, who provided space for the stores, said that he would launch a family trust shortly and open a hospital to make medical care affordable for common man.
The proposed trust would manage the hospital, he said, adding, the objective of store was to supply medicines at one-fourth price to the people.
Assistant Director Drug Control S. Vijay Kumar, Andhra Pradesh Senior Citizens Association state president Parameswara Reddy, senior citizens Mukunda Rao and others spoke.
