[india-drug] Price control for 'Branded Generic' medicines

["anita kotwani" <anitakotwani@msn.com>]

   Dear all,

   In  India,  because of process patent till 2005, we have in real sense
   only  generic  medicines.  But, medicines are categorised as "branded"
   and "branded generics" - branded medicines are usually manufactured by
   large  reputed  companies  and  marketed  by the manufacturer and have
   popular  name;  branded  generics  have  less name recognition and are
   marketed by the superstockist or retailer.

   It  has  been  found that many-a-times there is not much difference in
   the  'Maximum  Retail  Price'  mentioned on the 'branded' and 'branded
   generic' medicines of the same molecule.

   The  margin  on  some of the branded generic is hogh as 500% and
   many  retailers  try to push these branded generic as they make lot of
   money  on  these.  The whole purpose of branded generics is defeated as
   poor patients are paying the same price as for branded medicines.

   In  my  opinion  government should look into this and should have some
   policy for price control for branded generic medicines.

   India-drug friends can give their opinions and suggestions for keeping
   a  check  on  price  of  generic  (branded generics) medicines so that
   medicines are available at affordable price for the population.

   Thanks.

   Best wishes
   Anita Kotwani
   Department of Pharmacology
   V.P.Chest Institute
   Delhi University
   [1]anitakotwani@msn.com
     _________________________________________________________________

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References

   1. http://us.f639.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=anitakotwani@msn.com
   2. http://g.msn.com/8HMBENIN/2743??PS=47575