Generic Medicines Case Study

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AN ANALYTICAL STUDY ON CONSUMER PERCEPTION AND REALITY TOWARDS GENERIC DRUG SUBSTITUTION IN SOCIETY (DELHI NCR REGION) 1. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM Indian Drug and Cosmetics Act and Rules 1945, provide definition of “Drug” under section 3(b) of the 1940 Act which includes the term “generic drug”. As demand for medicines exceeds supply, people tend to profit out of crime by manufacturing and distributing counterfeit medicines as а substitute for branded medicines. As а result of such effects, counterfeit drugs may disintegrate public confidence in health care systems, health care professionals, the suppliers and sellers of genuine drugs (branded or generic), the pharmaceutical industry and national Drug Regulatory Authorities (DRAs). People…show more content…
The variable of cost, safety and quality of medicines still remain a determining factor for purchase of medicine either generics or branded one. The costs of health care are rising across the world through ageing populations resulting in more patients with chronic diseases, the continued launch of new and more expensive drugs as well as rising patient expectations. Once the patent for an originator medicine expires, generic medicines can enter the market. Generic medicines have the same quality, safety and therapeutic efficacy as the originator medicine, but are less expensive than originator medicines. Use of generics allows Indian governments to continue to provide comprehensive and equitable health care without prohibitive increases in either taxes or health insurance premiums. Research shows, however, that many patients get confused or feel apprehensive about having their drugs changed and report negative experiences such as poorer effect or more side effects. As a consequence, patients may use their drugs inappropriately or even end up not taking their drugs at all. More information directed at patients and increased involvement of physicians are needed to ensure that…show more content…
• To determine consumer perception of efficacy, side effects, risk associated and safety of generic drugs. • To determine the influence of physicians in the decision to prescribe branded and generic drug. • To determine physicians’ opinion of generic drug and the variable that influence said opinions. • To determine the factors those affect the decision to prescribe branded and generic drug. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Primary Source – The study will be based on survey of patients, Physicians at healthcare Centers (public and private) located in Delhi (NCR). Secondary source – Pharma journals, websites, and research articles from magazines. SCOPE OF THE STUDY- This study is specific to Pharmaceutical sector, consumers and government of India. In India large numbers of people are living below poverty line. They are not able to afford branded drugs because many a times these drugs are too much expensive. Therefore, generic drugs may become the preferred alternatives. Generic drugs are as effective and safe as branded drugs. India is emerging as a preferred hub for generics where various multinational pharmaceutical companies intend to invest and generate revenue due to its huge human resource at affordable cost along with a very potential domestic market as well. Thus the Indian pharmaceutical sector has tremendous opportunities for generic drugs in the times ahead. The scope for
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