Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s comment that doctors prescribe only branded medicines because of their nexus with pharmaceutical companies has not gone down well with the medical fraternity. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has issued a statement saying the PM’s comment, made in London, harms the image of Indian doctors and will fracture the doctor-patient relationship.
The IMA has sent a letter to his office stating that the nature of the comments and the language do not befit the “tallest leader of the world’s largest democracy”. The letter states, “Indian doctors are known and respected for their proficiency not only in India but across the world, where countries like the U.K. and the U.S. have acknowledged it time and again. Maligning the medical fraternity in a foreign land in a language which is derogatory to the core is not expected from the Prime Minister.”
‘Wrong signal’
Dr. Y.S. Deshpande, president of the IMA’s Maharashtra chapter, told The Hindu , “He is talking outside the country where Indian doctors are reputed. His comments send the wrong signal to the audience. They are hurtful.”
In his speech, the PM spoke about Jan Aushadhi Kendras — generic medicine stores started by the government, where cheaper, non-branded medicines are sold at much lower prices than other medical stores. He also mentioned the price cap on cardiac stents and knee implants.
Hakim Kapasi of the Andheri Chemist Association, who also runs a Jan Aushadhi Kendra (JAK) in Marol, Mumbai, defended the speech and said, “It is true that doctors don’t write generic prescriptions.” He said patients and relatives who are aware of cheaper options come looking for JAK shops. Ever since Mr. Kapasi opened the shop in 2017, he has not received a single generic-medication prescription, he said, adding, “It is only because a few patients are aware about the concept that they come looking for the cheaper drugs.”
Health activist Dr. Abhijit More said doctors were not the only ones to be blamed in this situation, noting, “It is a multifaceted problem. We have merely 3,000 kendra s [JAK] for such a large population. There is nothing to boast in this.”
Dr. More said that while doctors don’t generally prescribe generic medicines, when they do, availability is a problem.
