New Delhi

The Centre is working closely with state governments to promote the use of generic medicines in public healthcare facilities, Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel informed the Lok Sabha on Friday.

She said that as per guidelines issued by the National Medical Commission, all registered medical practitioners are required to prescribe medicines by their generic names. Central government hospitals have already been directed to follow this practice, while state medical councils have been urged to implement similar measures.

Patel added that both generic and branded drugs undergo regular quality checks to ensure they meet standards of safety and efficacy.

Highlighting the expansion of affordable medicine access, she said the number of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana outlets has grown significantly—from around 80 before 2014 to nearly 18,000 at present.

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These centres provide over 2,100 medicines, including treatments for critical illnesses such as cancer and diabetes, along with surgical items at discounts ranging from 50 to 90 per cent. The initiative has resulted in estimated savings of ₹38,000 crore for consumers, she said.