256A STUDY TO EVALUATE THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF GENERIC MEDICINES AMONG CLINICIANS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN INDIAGeneric drug prescribing is an essential part of affordable healthcare. However, clinicians may have reservations in unequivocally prescribing generic drugs for concerns related to their quality and efficacy. Hence, the present study was planned to assess knowledge, attitude and practices among clinicians regarding use of generic drugs, at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 clinicians of our hospital using a pre-validated questionnaire, of 34 questions on the knowledge, attitude and practice related to generic drugs use. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Out of 100, 80 clinicians’ responses were considered for the final analysis. Fifty-six clinicians were aware of the actual meaning of ‘generics’ and 57 prescribed generics. Only 26 clinicians agreed that generic drugs are equally efficacious and safe as compared to branded drugs, and rest were doubtful. Only 16 of them knew that the generic medicines are to be marketed only after expiry of patent of innovator drugs. Forty-two clinicians felt that disease outcome is independent of whether generic or branded drug is prescribed and 67 felt that prescribing generic medicine decreases healthcare expenditure. Forty-four clinicians felt unavailability and lack of preference whereas 22 opined that lack of knowledge and usage guidelines restricted the extensive use of generics. Fifty-one participants agreed that Jan Aushadhi campaign will successfully impact generic drug use. Conclusion: In spite of majority clinicians agreeing that generic drugs use would reduce the cost of healthcare, unavailability and lack of predilection are key concernsbelhekardrmahesh4@gmail.comResearch1122021Generic Medicines,Jan Aushadhi Scheme,Prescribing Practice,Proprietary MedicinesBhave KA,Belhekar MN,Patel TC,Pandit PRDept of Pharmacology, HBT Medical College and Dr RN Cooper Hospital, Juhu, Mumbai – 400056, Maharashtra, India.,Dept of Clinical Pharmacology, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai 400012, Maharashtra, India.,Dept of Pharmacology, HBT Medical College and Dr RN Cooper Hospital, Juhu, Mumbai – 400056, Maharashtra, India.,Dept of Pharmacology, HBT Medical College and Dr RN Cooper Hospital, Juhu, Mumbai – 400056, Maharashtra, India