Patiala, Feb. 16 -- Punjab health department has directed the government doctors to prescribe generic medicines across public healthcare institutions. Department warned the government doctors of disciplinary action if they don't prescribe the generics.

The health department has directed the doctors not to prescribe medicines by brand names under any circumstances.

In a letter addressed to all the heads of health institutions, issued by Punjab Health System Corporation (PHSC) earlier this week, the health department said that doctors would attract administrative action if they deviate from the instructions to prescribe generic medicines to the patients.

"All prescriptions issued by government doctors shall clearly mention only the gener...