Deregulation of allopathic prescription and medical practice in India: Benefits and pitfalls
Authors
Raman Kumar
President, Academy of Family Physicians of India
Pritam Roy
Chairperson, Primary Care and Public Health Policy Forum, Academy of Family Physicians of India
Keywords:
Health policy, industry, medical profession, prescription deregulation, primary care, universal health coverage
Abstract
In the background of debates on Universal Health Coverage, skill transfer from the medical practice license holders to other health-care providers such as nurse practitioner has become a global norm. In India, where the world's largest numbers of medical graduates are produced, this discussion is expanding to extremes and serious suggestions are coming forward for the development of legal framework for allowing dentists, homeopaths, pharmacists, and half duration trained doctors; permission to issue allopathic prescription. Allopathic medical prescription. It is noteworthy that this discussion only pertains to the pharmaceutical products retailed through “allopathic medical prescriptions.” A prescription is not only advice for patient's recovery but it also is a legitimate order for the sale of controlled drugs and pharmaceutical product; thereby functions as a regulatory tool for consumption of pharmaceutical products at retail level. Who is ultimately going to benefit from this prescription deregulation? This editorial explores benefits and pitfalls of prescription and medical practice deregulation.
Keywords: Health policy, industry, medical profession, prescription deregulation, primary care, universal health coverage
Author Biography
Raman Kumar, President, Academy of Family Physicians of India
Chief Editor, Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care
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