Labeling Norms For Generic Drugs Changed: Health Minister

The Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey through a written reply in the Lok Sabha informed about the labeling norms for generic drugs.

In order to ensure that the consumer is well informed about the generic medicine, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare published a draft notification for public comments vide GSR 302 (E) dated 30.03.2017 for amendment of Rule 96 to provide that the proper name of the drugs shall be printed in a conspicuous manner which shall be in the same font but at level two font size larger than the brand name or the trade name, if any. It will come to force after completion of due formalities as per the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

Indian Drug Manufacturers Association (IDMA) was invited to the stakeholders meeting held on 12.12.2017 in Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and they conveyed their inability to attend the meeting. However, they had already provided their suggestions/ comments on the draft notification vide letter dated, 11.05.2017 which has been received in the Ministry.

More pharmacists for public hospitals

Tasmania's health minister hopes placing more pharmacists in the state's public hospitals will take the pressure off general practitioners.

Over the next three years, 23 additional pharmacists will be placed in Tasmania's four main hospitals.

Dr Jodie Delanty says the extra staff will help prevent pharmaceutical mishaps.

"It'll allow more safer prescribing because it's a double check system now," she said.

Under the current system, hospital pharmacists can only provide outgoing patients with around five days supply of prescribed medication, meaning they then have to go to a GP.

Health Minister Michelle O'Byrne says from March, that will be extended to a month's supply.

"If we take even this little bit of pressure off GP's that will free up people being able to access their GP when they need it," she said.

Tasmania currently has about 60 hospital pharmacists.