India’s drug regulator has directed doctors to prominently use generic or common names of medicines in prescriptions, while allowing brand names only when clinically justified and placed in brackets after the generic name.
New Delhi — The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has asked doctors to use generic or common names of medicines prominently in all prescriptions, as part of efforts to improve transparency in prescribing practices and make medicines more affordable for patients.
According to the directive, doctors should prescribe medicines primarily by their generic or internationally recognised non-proprietary names.
If mentioning a brand name is considered clinically necessary, it should be written in brackets after the generic name rather than being the main name on the prescription.
The move is aimed at ensuring that patients and pharmacists can clearly identify the actual medicine being prescribed rather than relying only on a particular company’s brand.
Generic medicines contain the same active pharmaceutical ingredient as branded versions but are generally available at lower prices.
The regulator’s direction could therefore help patients make more informed choices and potentially reduce spending on medicines.
The DCGI has also asked stakeholders to ensure that prescriptions clearly mention essential details such as the strength, dosage form and duration of treatment, helping reduce confusion and dispensing errors.
Another major focus of the directive is the promotion of medicines by pharmaceutical companies.
The regulator has indicated that consultations may be held with the National Medical Commission and pharmaceutical industry bodies over the role of medical representatives and the promotion of branded medicines to doctors.
The issue of pharmaceutical marketing has long been debated in India, particularly over whether promotional practices can influence prescribing decisions.
By encouraging doctors to use generic names, regulators are seeking to reduce brand-driven prescribing and ensure that treatment decisions remain focused on the medicine itself.
The move also supports the government’s broader push to improve access to affordable medicines, including through schemes promoting generic drugs.
However, implementation will depend on compliance by doctors, hospitals and pharmacies, as well as awareness among patients.
The directive could gradually change prescription practices across India if adopted consistently, particularly in private healthcare where branded medicines are widely prescribed.
