Click to play videoNew Delhi: Patients who feel that their doctors are prescribing them expensive drugs of a particular label now have an option of choosing medicines that suit their pocket, by going online.
A website, www.medguideindia.com, developed by Delhi-based physician Dr M M Mittal provides information about alternative brands which are available at prices that you could opt for.
"I have seen in my practice that 20 per cent of patients discontinued treatment because they couldn’t afford the medicines. That's why the person should know about standard drugs with cheaper prices," says Mittal.
And according to Mittal, it isn’t just the patients who benefit from the website. "There are 3 million brands available and it is not possible for a doctor to remember each of them and their composition. This site will provide the doctor know the drugs that the patient is taking and plan the treatment better"
The website has a database of more than 2 and a half lakh drugs presently. So all you need to do is key in the option, and you will know the active ingredient of the drug. Once you know this, it will take you to the matched brands with the same constituents and the price comparisons.
"For example, Oflox is available at less than Rs 3 and for more than Rs 20," says Mittal.
The website can help people to lower their medical bills, but they must consult their doctor before opting for an alternative drug.
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