Physicians, professionals comply with Generics Law

By Vicente W. Villavert

Friday 7th of September 2012

ILOILO CITY, Sept 7 (PIA) -- It was not that long ago when doctors voiced their opposition to the generic bill. Today, years after the passage of the generics law, stores selling generic drugs are giving big pharmaceutical stores a run for their money. And physicians and professionals in Western Visayas are complying with the guidelines of the Generics Law.

This was disclosed by Delia D. Tarrosa, chief, licensing regulation and enforcement division of the Department of Health Region 6 (DOH-6) during a press briefing in line with the celebration of the Generics Awareness Month this September.

Western Visayas has around 2,665 drug stores, retail/wholesalers. DOH-6 is continuously monitoring all their activities relevant to the implementation of the Generics Law.

Tarrosa said around 50 to 60 percent of the people are aware and supporting the law, but she assured that the DOH is continuously pushing their advocacy to help heighten public’s awareness and acceptance.

“Consumers have the right to demand for information on all generic equivalents available. All drug outlets are obligated to provide their clients all generic equivalents offered for sale in their establishment,” Tarrosa said.

Drug outlets must post, conspicuously, a list of products with the generic names and their corresponding prices which is a licensing requirement.

“There shall appear prominently on the label of a generic drug the following statement: This product has the same therapeutic efficacy as any other generic product of the same named – BFAD,” Tarrosa said.

The DOH statement said amendments to the Generic Law under the Republic Act No. 9502, mandates all government health agencies and their personnel and other government agencies to use generic terminology or generic names in all transactions related to purchasing, prescribing, dispensing, reimbursing, and administering of drugs and medicines.

Under RA 9502, all private medical, dental, and veterinary practitioners must prescribe in generic name; the brand name may be included if so desired. It also states the consumers’ right to demand information on all generic equivalents available.

The DOH secretary will have the authority to impose administrative sanctions such as suspension or cancellation of license to operate or recommend suspension of license to practice profession to the Professional Regulation Commission as the case may be.

Tarrosa encouraged the public to ask for generic medicines to assure themselves of safe, quality medicines and to save money since generic drugs are cheaper than branded ones. (JCM/VWV-PIA6 Iloilo)