Major industry associations like IPA, OPPI and IDMA are learnt to have expressed reservations on the Pharma Department's proposal to set up generic drug stores in each district of the country.

According to sources, these associations have told the Pharma Department that they cannot make any commitment on the issue as they are vary of the consequences of the scheme once it is fully operational. These associations expressed their viewpoint in this regard to the Pharma Department officials in the meeting held on September 12. The department had organized a meeting of all stakeholders to seek their opinion on the issue.

A large number of stakeholders like industry association representatives, NGOs, senior government officials and others attended the meeting. The meeting decided to form a core committee which will meet on September 25 to decide on the concrete steps to be taken to make the scheme operational.

As part of the UPA's promise to the people under common minimum programme (CMP) the government has to ensure affordable medicines to the poor sections of the society. The Department of Pharmaceuticals has, accordingly, drawn up this scheme to set up generic drug stores in each district of the country. The department has prepared the draft of the scheme, which is also likely to give boost to the manufacturers of unbranded generic drugs.

Under the scheme, the government will facilitate opening of generic drugs stores, initially one in each district through NGOs, charitable bodies, Red Cross and hospitals which are willing to work on 'not-for-profit' basis. Apart from generic drugs from public sector pharma undertakings, the stores will also supply generic drugs manufactured by private companies.

The state governments will be asked to issue directions to the doctors in government hospitals to prescribe unbranded-generic medicines wherever these are made available as large number of people in the financially weaker sections cannot afford the branded products, sources said.

The government will be seeking the support of the industry, especially the manufacturers of generic drugs for production of essential medicines that would be sold through these planned stores. Besides, the government would also consult chemist associations and NGOs to take their suggestions.

After the consultation process is over, the programme may be unfolded in different phases. In the pilot project, it would help set up stores in 15 States, by providing land and infrastructure to the desired group, to the tune of upto Rs 3 lakh. The government has already identified 350 products that will be sold through this generic stores.