Abstract:

The pharmaceutical landscape in India is marked by a significant distinction between branded medicines manufactured by multinational companies or established Indian manufacturers and branded generics that, although containing the same active ingredients, are not actively promoted.
In response to the need for affordable medication, the Indian government launched the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) to provide high-quality generic medicines at reduced prices through dedicated outlets known as Janaushadhi Kendras. Furthermore, the Government of India introduced a legislative framework requiring doctors to prescribe generic medicines, aligning with the Medical Council of India's recommendations to promote the rational use of drugs. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of physicians regarding Jan Aushadhi medicines, and to identify the factors that influence their acceptance and prescription of these generics. Conducted through qualitative research involving focus group discussions with 50 doctors from government hospitals in Mumbai and Thane, the study utilized open-ended structured questionnaires to gather primary data. The research design was exploratory and descriptive, with data analyzed using Excel and visualized through bar diagrams and pie charts.
Findings revealed that while physicians acknowledge the potential of generic medicines to reduce healthcare costs, their confidence in prescribing these drugs hinges on the assurance of quality and therapeutic effectiveness. The study highlights the necessity for a robust legal framework to ensure uniform quality in generic drug testing and the available of some research data or studies or clinical trial and adverse event data to support independent decision-making. Additionally, physicians suggested the government should mandate the prescription of generic medicines and implement a comprehensive public awareness campaign to foster their acceptance.
The study underscores the critical need for increased awareness and confidence among medical practitioners to achieve broader utilization of generic medicines in India, ultimately aiming to make healthcare more affordable and accessible.