Pharma sector unimpressed with the Union Budget

Will oppose moves on mandatory prescription of generic drugs

The government Wednesday announced amendment in rules to promote the use of generic drugs while outlining steps to improve the healthcare.

While Jaitley did not specify the details in his budget speech, pharma industry experts believe the government is considering norms to make prescription of generic drugs mandatory.

Typically, doctors prescribe branded products to their patients and there is a view within the government that the cost of healthcare could be reduced by promoting generic medicines. The industry, however, is not enthused with the idea and feels this will be difficult to implement.

In his budget union finance minister Arun Jaitley said the