DOH promotes use of generic drugs
The Department of Health (DOH) discussed its generic medicine advocacy and monitoring generic medicine prices during its “#MediaSolusyon Kapihan with Media Partners” on Friday, Sept. 22.
Dr. Constante Caluya III, head of the DOH’s Pharmaceutical Division Unit, spoke about the health agency’s proactive promotion of generic medicines in celebration of the Generics Awareness Month, with the theme “Kalusugan ay Palakasin, Generics Ating Tangkilikin (Strengthening Health and Embracing Affordable Medicines).”
He said this theme is consistent with the DOH’s core mission of empowering and fortifying public health while embracing the numerous benefits of generic medicines.
Caluya also emphasized the importance of taking a holistic approach to health, which includes preventive measures as well as the use of appropriate medications.
He pointed out that generic medicines contain the same active ingredients as originator brands and are equally safe and effective.
Generics are also more affordable, making them an accessible choice for many people, Caluya said.
He cited a study that found doctors and pharmacists have a significant influence on consumers’ perceptions of generic pharmaceutical efficacy.
“We encourage that you always emphasize the generic alternatives to your patients para din may option sila na mas abot kayang presyo na safe and effective pa rin na gamot (so they also have an option for more affordable yet safe and still effective medicines),” Caluya said.
Generics Act
Meanwhile, according to Caluya, this promotion is in line with Republic Act 6675 or the Generics Act of 1988, which requires the use of generic terminology in various aspects of the pharmaceutical industry, including importation, manufacture, distribution, marketing, advertising, promotion, prescription, and dispensing of drugs.
He noted that a pivotal strategy in the Philippine Medicines Policy 2022–2030 involves promoting the use of quality biosimilars and unbranded generics to enhance the affordability of medicines.
DOH emphasized the importance of endorsing quality-assured generic and biosimilar medicines as an intervention for pharmaceutical pricing policies, following the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Generics Act includes provisions requiring mandatory generic labeling on pharmaceutical products, which entails prominently displaying the generic name on labels, advertisements, promotional materials, and in the prescription and dispensing of drugs, Caluya explained.
It mandates generic prescription policies for medical, dental, and veterinary practitioners, as well as the availability of generic dispensing and substitution and the utilization of generic menu cards in drugstores and pharmacies.
Caluya said that based on a study, 83.92 percent of prescriptions reviewed by doctors included generic names of prescribed drugs.
Moreover, 83.7 percent of drugstores were equipped with generic menu cards, with 44.3 percent of respondents acknowledging their presence, he stated.
He said the study also revealed that 40.61 percent of respondents were offered generic alternatives by drugstore staff.
“Laging tanungin ang generic alternatives para sa mga gamot na nireseta ng doctor (Always inquire about generic alternatives for the medicines prescribed by the doctor),” Caluya said.
He also encouraged patients to request generic alternatives during medical consultations.
Price watch
Meanwhile, as part of the DOH’s efforts to support consumers in their search for affordable medicines, Caluya urged the public to utilize the DOH website “Drug Price Watch.”
He said the online platform offers comprehensive information about drug prices and nearby drugstore locations.
It utilizes an electronic drug price monitoring system to provide real-time updates and facilitate searches for specific medicines, including price comparisons and the nearest available drugstores, he noted.
These initiatives mirror the DOH’s unwavering commitment to ensuring access to affordable and effective medicines, strengthening healthcare capabilities, and ultimately enhancing the well-being of the Filipino population, Caluya said. (Zekinah Elize Espina)