RE: [india-drug] Price control for 'Branded Generic' medicines (2)

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

   Price control for 'Branded Generic' medicines (2)

   ******************************************

   Dear members,

   As  mentioned  in  the  first  message that there is a huge margin for
   retailers   for   the   not-so-popular  brand/branded-generic version
   of medicines,  so  we  need  to discuss whether there should be some
   directive  from  the  pricing  authority of India for price control of these medicines or market information is necessary. 
One way is that NPPA  can  fix  that  branded-generic(not-so-popular or
   traditionally  generic) medicines  should  be say 30% (to be fixed by
   consensus) priced less  than  "branded"  (popular)  medicines.  Second option is providing market information to the consumer. Empowering consumers about various generic  medicines  in the market and their price, they can demand the substitute  from  the  pharmacist. This requires education of consumer and  we  should  also educate doctors about the range of price for the medicines they prescribe. Cost of medicine is one very important component of access to medicines

   I need to know the views of the members on this topic.

   Thanks.

   Best wishes,

   Anita Kotwani

   (Dr. Anita Kotwani)

   Patel Chest Institute

   University of Delhi

   Delhi 110007

   anitakotwani@msn.com
       ______________________________________________________________

     From:  "anita kotwani" <anitakotwani@msn.com>
     Reply-To:  India-Drug             Communication             Network
     <india-drug@healthnet.org>
     To:  india-drug@healthnet.org
     Subject:  [india-drug]   Price   control   for   'Branded  Generic'
     medicines
     Date:  Wed, 22 Aug 2007 23:58:26 -0400
     >    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
     >      ____________________________________________________________
     _____
     >
     >    Post ads for free - to sell, rent or even buy. [2]www.yello.in
     >
     >References
     >
     >    1.
     http://us.f639.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=anitakotwani@msn.com
     >    2. http://g.msn.com/8HMBENIN/2743??PS=47575
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References

   1. http://g.msn.com/8HMBENIN/2749??PS=47575