Context
Opinion article in the Hindu – Branded, generic and the missing ingredient of quality
About generic Drug
- Identical to an already established brand-name drug in terms of dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics, and intended use.
- Bioequivalent of branded medicine – the generic medicine operates similarly and offers the same clinical benefits as the brand-name counterpart.
- Have the same risks and benefits as their brand-name counterparts
- A generic drug may have certain minor differences from the brand-name product – e.g., different inactive ingredients.
- There will always be a slight level of expected variability – not medically significant.
- Generic medicines tend to cost less than their brand-name counterparts
- They do not have to repeat animal and clinical (human) studies that were required of the brand-name medicines to demonstrate safety and effectiveness.
- Creates competition in the marketplace.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana’ (PMJAY)
- A campaign launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals
- Jan Aushadhi Campaign started 2008
- Revamped as ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana’ – 2015
- Vision – To bring down the healthcare budget of every citizen of India through providing Quality generic Medicines at Affordable Prices.
- Through exclusive outlets “Jan Aushadhi Medical Store“
- Mission:
- Create awareness among public regarding generic medicines.
- Create demand for generic medicines through medical practioners.
- Create awareness through education and awareness program that high price need not be synonymous with high quality.
- Provide all the commonly used generic medicines covering all the therapeutic groups.
- Provide all the related health care products too under the scheme.
- Eligible to apply for new Jan Aushadhi stores –
- State Governments or any organization / reputed NGOs / Trusts / Private hospitals / Charitable institutions / Doctors / Unemployed pharmacist/ individual entrepreneurs.
Source: The Hindu
Previous year question
Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the [UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2021 Prelims]
(a) Department of Science and Technology
(b) Ministry of Employment
(c) NITI Aayog
(d) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Answer: c