BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Health-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR) will be celebrating Generics Awareness Month on September 11 at DOH-CAR in Baguio City.
The event promotes awareness of the importance of generic medicines to consumers with the theme “Generics para sa Kalidad Na Alaga at Ginhawang Abot Kaya!”
The program aims to discuss the affordability, availability, and accessibility of generic brand medicines to the public, the difference between the term generic name and brand name of the medication prescribed, and its effectiveness when intake.
During the Kapihan sa DOH-CAR, Mark Ryan D. Langit, President, Philippine Pharmacist Association-Baguio Benguet Chapter, highlighted the importance of being informed about the generics that citizens consume.
While people are mostly aware of the generic terms, Langit said, “Every Filipino has the right to be informed and has the right choice,” and the conference’s goal is to educate the public on safe and affordable healthcare options and give information about how the generic brand is formulated with its active ingredients.
As generics are acknowledged to be known by the public, there is the standard scientific name for a drug, like Paracetamol medicine. Generics are being sold at a lower price than the prescribed branded medicine prescription even though they are formulated with the same strength.
The conference emphasizes the benefits of generic brands which is usually up to 80% cheaper than branded medicines, is widely available, and have the same effectiveness as branded version drugs; lastly, generic brands as safe and approved medication regulated by government agencies like Food and Drug Administration.
However, as fake medications circulate and have the same looks as the authentic ones, the ingredients posed to the product constitute threats and risks to health when taken. Langit encourages the public to report immediately to the DOH when fake generic medications are given and sold to the public.
Generics Awareness Month ensures that every Filipino, regardless of income, can experience the care they deserve and the relief they need. With the theme “Generics para sa kalidad na alaga at ginhawang abot kaya!” This underlines the importance of accessible and affordable healthcare for all. With widespread availability at pharmacies and public shops, generic medicines offer a practicable option for quality care at a lower cost. By Rachelle Gem Quilling
