BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — Generic medicines play an important role in ensuring the health of the Filipino people towards the attainment of a healthy and stronger Philippines. Philippine Pharmacist Association Baguio-Benguet Chapter President Mark Ryan Langit outlined this in the Department of Health-Cordillera led Kapihan media forum here on September 11.
“Generic medicines play a vital role in ensuring that high quality healthcare is not a privilege but a right that everyone can enjoy. These medicines meet the same rigorous standards of safety, efficacy, and quality as their branded counterparts, but are offered at significantly lower costs, making healthcare more affordable for all,” Langit stressed.
He explained that generic equivalents are considered therapeutically equivalent, meaning they have the same effects in treating a condition as the brand name drugs, but are sold under that generic name or a different brand, which make it cost effective for those who cannot afford the more expensive branded drugs.
Generic medicines, which are safe and approved by the Food and Drug Administration, also make medicines easily accessible as they are widely available in all pharmacies nationwide, he added.
Langit reiterated the health department’s call to the public to patronize generic medicines and to also help in further increasing awareness for the use of generic medicines.
“Together, we can ensure that every Filipino, no matter their income, no matter the status, can all experience the care that we deserve and the relief that we need. So, everyone, let us all unite in promoting kalidad na alaga at ginhawang abot – kaya through generics because generics are here for us, for you, for your loved ones, and for a healthy and stronger nation,” he said.
September is being observed as Generic Awareness Month, a national celebration promoting awareness of the benefits of generic medicines and to commemorate the passage of Republic Act No. 6675, also known as the Generics Act of 1988.
Other health events that the DOH-CAR promoted during the forum are World Suicide Prevention Day (Sept. 10) and World Environmental Health Day(Sept. 26). (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)
