Generic medicine, Satyamev Jayate, PM’s declaration etc.
| July 20, 2012 | Posted by Britul under NEWS Commentary |
“ Generic medicine ” is the most astonishing terminology of medical world I have heard recently.
I have recently updated one post about the famous TV show “Satyamev Jayate”. I have written many of the aspects about the show there. But recently I have come across a news and that had made me write this post.
In one of the episode of Satyamev Jayate, Amir Khan highlighted how the prices of various medicines are highly inflated to benefit the pharmaceutical companies and to overburden the common people. During his interview to various invited people in that show, the terminology “generic medicine” had come up. Few of the interviewees were frequently pronouncing that terminology. But I felt little uncomfortable with that terminology because I didn’t know what exactly it means. And also the grammatical meaning was not helping at all. Coinciding with my assumption, many of the audiences were also not aware of that terminology. At certain time just after start of the show, Amir categorically asked the interviewee what exactly generic medicine is? And the result that was delivered was quite astonishing to me(and probably to most of the viewers).
Every medicine is more or less a chemical compound. Generic medicines are the basic chemical compound which has no difference with its’ branded counterpart in any way except the price. That means, generic medicines are same in chemical structure, effect, and any other way with the normal medicine. But generic medicines don’t bear any tag of any pharmaceutical company. This is the reason why the prices of generic medicines are very low as compared to the same medicine prepared and commercially marketed by some pharmaceutical company.
Pharmaceutical companies never sell generic medicine to common people. They export it. They probably do it because if they sell the generic medicines to the common people, the common people will become aware of the actual value of it; which obviously not good for the company.
Now, the point is; I came to know about generic medicine for the first time from Satyamev jayate. Similarly, cores of Indian viewers may also have come to know about it for the first time from that show.
Now, let’s move to the other part of the story. Few days back, I came across a news which says that our PM had ordered to form a high
level committee to enquire about the quality of some medicines. The same committee will also undertake some other allied study related to health and medicine sector. This is not at all sensational news for anyone. Lots of committees are being formed and this is seems quite dull news. But what had come to mind is not the news but the time of occurrence of it. I don’t know; maybe I am pulling the issue too much but what I wish to say is that it seemed to me that there is some hidden link between the episode of Satyamev Jayate and PM’s action.
It may happen that looking at the tremendous popularity of satyamev jayate, Prime Minister decided to take some action on the buttoned down issues of health sector so that people enjoys some satisfaction and in this way a mass movement can be avoided.
Altogether, the main fact is that health sector is a sector where lots of corrupt activities are going on under the blanket which needs urgent uncovering.
Contribution of Satyamev Jayate in this area is truly commendable.
Hats off to Amir again !!!
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I want to open a generic medicine in my area and if somebody knows please tell me where to find the export quality generic medicine. I'm also in the pharma business but the kind of generic medicine available here in the market are all sub-standard.
@boicha: nice to know that you wish to open a generic medicine store. All the best.
You know I am bit confused here, I mean with the whole generic medicine thing. I have few relatives who work in the industry and they say the level of hygenie, proportion extra is not good or can't be vouched for. I have used generic medicines but don't know why I was more comfortable using Crocin than its generic version. May be I am wrong.
And yes no doubt the mark up is really high in medicine business and Amir is doing a good job. All this is because of the 'commission' that ocurs in our supply chain.
Those Generic medicine which are prepared for export are of good quality and meets the standard from all aspects. However; those prepared for in house use may not be having the quality, or the production process may not be proper. This may be another strategy for pharma companies to discourage use of generic medicine in India.
Till the time government doesn't interfere in this area, it will always remain as a dream for all. Amir had shown some hope but still Government intere
Btw thanks a ton for the comment.