A Pilot Study on Knowledge and Experience on use of Generic Medicines among Healthcare Professionals

Abstract

Those medicines which are having same efficacy as that of their branded and expensive counterparts are known as Generic medicines. Compare to branded medicines, generic medicines have similar route of administration, indication, side effects, strength. Contrary to lower price and affordability the generic medicines are not so popular among healthcare professionals. The objective of this study is to analyse, knowledge and experience on use of generic medicines among healthcare professionals. A pilot study was conducted at Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS) Banaras Hindu University Varanasi India. This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. The participants were doctors, nurses, pharmacists and others (research scholars and PG students). Chi square test used to find out p value. The overall response rate was 84.61 percent (55/65). Among all participants 12.7 percent did not “heard about Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana Kendra”. Among all participants only 40 percent were not aware about Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana Kendra situated in their area. Among all participants 72.73% aware about safe generic medicines, while among participant groups 60% of participating doctors, all nursing and pharmacy professionals and 72% of others accepted that generic medicines are safe as like branded medicines. A variation observed in respect of knowledge, and experience on generic medicines among participants. 40% (percent) of participating doctors did not believe in generic medicines and opted that the generic medicines are not safe as like branded medicines. Therefore, need for more training/awareness programmes on generic medicine arises. Need for building trust among healthcare professionals on generic medicines required.