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Branded drugs are expensive There are no separate standards for generic and branded drugs as per Drugs and Cosmetics Act. As per the Act, every drug, whether it is a branded or generic drug, has to meet the requirements of the present relevant quality standards. In developed countries like United States, a majority of the drug prescriptions are raised in generic names, says Secretary General, All India Drug Control Officers Confederation (AIDCOC), and General Manager, Jeevandhara, Ravi Uday Bhaskar. Certain facts provided by Jeevandan and A.P. Medical Services and Infrastructure Development Corporation (APMSIDC): F Certain studies have revealed that Andhra Pradeshs current annual health care costs are about 5 per cent of the Gross State Domestic Product of which 50 per cent goes towards cost of procuring branded drugs. It is also a fact that 65 per cent of pocket expenditure on health care in the State is bring incurred for purchase of branded drugs. F It is a fact that due to market domination and less consumer awareness, branded drugs are sold by drug manufacturers at higher prices than their unbranded generic equivalents, which are equally good in therapeutic value. F In India, most of the drug companies manufacture drugs with brand names (promoted) and generic drugs (un-promoted) with the same composition and equal quality. But there is a huge gap between the ex-factory price and M.R.P. in case of generic drugs. The price varies from 50 per cent to over 100 per cent. Jeevandhara:

F The State Government had issued Government Order (G.O. Ms. No. 54 dt.14-03-2011) to establish generic medicine retail outlets throughout the State. The APMISDC was notified as the nodal agency to co-ordinate and promote Jeevandhara pharmacies. F The Kerala Government conducted a study of Jeevandhara and have implemented a similar scheme under the brand name Karunya Pharmacies.