A branded drug costs more than the same molecule available as a generic drug. Some state governments have issued instructions to doctors to prescribe only generic drugs, failing which punitive action may be taken against them. The intention appears to be good: to provide drugs to people at a low cost. However, this may act as a double-edged sword: making drugs available at a lower cost, but of an inferior quality. It is presumed that reputed pharma houses maintain stringent quality control of their products as their reputation is at stake. The same may be true of unbranded products also. But, the market is currently flooded with spurious or sub-standard drugs.