Govt-funded mobile website on medicines launched

NEW DELHI: A government-funded mobile friendly website has been launched today to create consumer awareness about various brands of medicines, their manufacturers, composition and comparative prices in the market.

The mobile website has been developed by Delhi-based Vinod Kumar Memorial Charitable Trust with funds of Rs 20 lakh by the Consumer Affairs Ministry.

"The mobile website - www.medguideindia.com - is dedicated to provide information on generic medicines and comparative prices," Consumer Affairs Secretary Rajeev Aggarwal said after the launch.

He said, "Generally, doctors have tendency to prescribe costlier brands of medicines although low cost brands are available in the market. Information on prices will empower consumers to make informed choice".

Aggarwal also said that efforts will be made to provide Short Message Service (SMS) on medicines considering limited reach of mobile internet phones in the country.

The website will provide information about generic medicines, list of banned drugs, recently launched brands, price details and also health insurance details.