Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 7: Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) today emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding generic drugs, stating that they are equivalent in strength, quality, efficacy and safety to their branded counterparts.
The association highlighted that generic medications are substantially more affordable, costing 80 to 90 per cent less, as the manufacturers do not bear the expenses of drug development and promotion.
Addressing the issue, Dr Nisar ul Hassan, president, DAK, in a statement expressed concern about the negative perception surrounding generic drugs.
He observed that due to the misconception that cheaper medications are less effective, “people tend to opt for costly branded medicines, resulting in substantial healthcare expenses for the public.
Dr Nisar stressed the need to change this perception through increased awareness among the population while calling for enhanced education for both doctors and patients to encourage the prescription and utilization of generic drugs.
Citing research, DAK president pointed out that patients prescribed generic medicines experience significantly lower out-of-pocket costs compared to those given branded drugs.
Individuals receiving generic drugs for chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular ailments, exhibit a higher likelihood of adhering to medication therapies, he said.
While the use of generic drugs has been increasing over time, Dr Nisar highlighted that in J&K, doctors continue to prescribe expensive therapies despite the availability of equally effective and more affordable alternatives.
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