Welcome batch 2011 of 1pol1, 1pol2, and 1pol3. The topics covered by this debate generally include those on public policy, international relations, and political economy. All of which are foundation areas of the discipline of political science.
Generic drugs are currently flooding the Philippine pharmaceutical market. It holds several socio-economic implications for the common Filipino consumer. As students of political science, what policies do you think should the Philippine government adopt regarding the proliferation of generic drugs? Why should generic drugs be banned or strictly controlled by the state? How does the proliferation of generic drugs to the Philippine economy? How about to the Philippine's relationships with other states? (Give answers that are politically/policy aligned.)
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Here's the Link = CFR-The Debate Over Generic-Drug Trade
Note: Check the reference below, it also serves as a sample when you cite online articles in your future papers.
Reference:
Johnson, T. (2011, August 3). The Debate Over Generic-Drug Trade. Retrieved August 15, 2011, from Council on Foreign Relations: http://www.cfr.org/drugs/debate-over-generic-drug-trade/p18055
BrianDoce1POL1 As far as I know there is already an existing policy about the production and distribution of generic drugs, precisely, the Generics Act of 1988...
ReplyDeleteJeanGalvez1POL1 Indeed, generic drugs are usually sold in a lower price compared with branded medicines. That’s why people of the Philippines especially those who cannot afford more expensive medicines do really need these generic drugs. In line with the Generics Act of 1988 that Brian said, for me, it is good that the Philippines had this kind of policy which promotes the use of generic drugs in our country. But oftentimes, to have these drugs, our country needs to import from other countries. For me, the government should make a policy that will develop a self-regulating health care policy, as well as the growth of a Filipino drug industry. The government should assure that all generic drugs that will be regulated in our country should be approved by our BFAD. They should also implement the factual and observable development of trustworthy drugstores and legal companies. In the process of implementing these policies, the government must think the health benefits that the majority of the people or the poor people will get and not their own benefits as the few people who have the position in the government. I don’t think that generic drugs should be banned by the state especially in the Philippines. Generic drugs are not that really different from branded ones. Their effectiveness is the same with that of branded medicines. The only difference is their standards in terms of the company that produces those. Besides, let’s admit that not all Filipinos can afford the branded ones. That’s why we need generic drugs for the health survival of the majority. For me, it is also a way of being practical nowadays. For me, if we continue to import from other countries to have certain generic drugs, it will not contribute something nice to the development of our economy. We will continue to be profoundly dependent on imports of medicines, and has little in the way of exports. Because of the Philippines’ implementation of the agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) ascribed by the members of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which is merely connected to the production of generics, its relationship to other countries will be developed, for example, through the use of compulsory licensing and importation.
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ReplyDeleteAlexRomualdez 1POL1- A generic drug is produced several years after its patent has expired. Generic drug producers are able to produce lots of those generic drugs without having experiments and tests to ensure its results and safety of the drugs. The good thing about the production of generic drugs is that there is more competition because there are no more patents. Prices of these generic drugs become cheaper and so more people can afford to buy such kind of drugs especially in Third World countries like the Philippines.
ReplyDeleteHowever using generic drugs can lead to further complications after taking them. According to an article I read in CNN, two women from the US contracted tardive dyskinesia, which affects a person's muscles after taking Reglan to cure heartburn. They claimed that Wyeth, the producer of the said drug, did not give them any warning on its bad effects after taking Reglan. Unfortunately, after suing Wyeth, they lost the lawsuit saying that producers of generic drugs are not equal to brand names.
Even though we have the Generics Act of 1988, our government should provide further provisions concerning safety and the proper use of these generic drugs. The government should have the resources on how to tell people to determine the safety and the effectiveness of generic drugs sold in the market. On our part, we should be careful on what generic drugs we use, its adverse effects and how to be safe. I’m not discouraging people to avoid patronizing and using generic drugs. In fact, it’s good because more people can afford to buy these kind of drugs than the branded ones. Generic drugs are cheaper and affordable and they are of the same quality as the branded ones. One way of having a self policy on health care is by encouraging investors to produce generic drugs here in the Philippines but before we do that, government must be sincere enough to say that our country is a good place to invest money. When generic drug companies are able to produce enough generic drugs for our country, it is not just the people who are getting the benefits of good health care with affordable medicine but we will also be able to provide much needed jobs for our people.
ValTio1POL2
ReplyDeleteGeneric drugs are very beneficial and has saved many lives because it is affordable and considering the economy we have here in the Philippines 'having generic drugs' is considered as a necessity and not as an option for our country.
Regarding the control of selling of generic drugs in other countries, I think that it is very unfair to most of us especially to us, Filipinos who are dying not because of the unavailability of the drugs but because of unaffordability which is a very bad reflection for our government. The control on the selling of drugs only benefits the pharmacies who sell them. Preservation of human life is of more primary concern than the profit margins of the large pharmaceutical companies.
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ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the first batch to have posted on the topic.
ReplyDeleteJust a tech suggestion. Compose your thoughts on a notepad or word doc first. Then copy paste it onto the comments box. Just to keep your post safe in case of online technical problems.
I like the idea that several of you have made factual comments and mentioned appropriate sources such as laws.
ReplyDeleteSince were all talking online, I suggest you make your sources clearer. It's much better if you could actually give links also. That backs up your arguments well.
ReplyDeleteI would rather suggest that the Philippines may start to produce its own generic drugs so that our expenses on imports may lessen. Moreover, if the Philippines has its own drug manufacturer, there is a possibility that the price of generic drugs would be much lower since we do not import from other countries. Meanwhile, I don't think this step will cause a fatal effect on our amity to the state where we import such drugs since every nation aims to provide health services to its citizens which is affordable and economical.
ReplyDeleteJuan Carlo Castañeda 1pol2. I think the Philippine Government should make laws that prioritize the use of generic drugs instead of branded drugs. Generic drugs are the same as the branded drugs in terms of the effectiveness and quality of the drug. The only difference is that generic drugs is more cheaper than branded drugs that’s why some of us consumers is having doubts about buying and using generic drugs. In the US there is an act known as the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act, it makes the generic drugs be recognized by the US Food and Drugs Administration and it became competent with branded drugs. If the Philippine government will pass a law like what US has done we will solve the problem regarding diseases like cancer, diabetes and other illnesses that be cheaper but still effective same with the more expensive branded drugs and it will benefit the marginalized population in our country.
ReplyDeleteWillda Atienza 1 Pol 1
ReplyDeleteThere are many sides to consider given the said problem of whether generic drugs should be banned from our country or not. As for my stand, I say the generic drugs should not be banned from our country. For one, since generic drugs are significantly less it terms of price, acquiring these in our country will be of great benefit to those who do not have the means of affording those drugs which are patent. Another pro is that the death rates due to non-communicable diseases will indeed decrease, due to the easier access to needed medicines.
However, as for attainment of generic drugs through the use of a compulsory license; this is something I’ll have to disagree with. First and foremost, aside from thinking of the own benefits, we should also take note of the side of those pharmaceutical companies. According to a source it takes more that 800 million dollars to make a drug. The whole objective behind allowing the pharmaceutical companies to have their patent right is so that the millions of dollars spent for the research and development of the drug made can at least come back to them through profit –due the years allotted to them to sell the drug solely.
And is it not but fair that they receive their hard work back through the profit they receive in turn?
The use of a compulsory license is sugar-coating the act of basically stealing the pharmacautical company’s original drug. According to a source; “All members were allowed to issue compulsory licenses to produce generic versions of products domestically, including drugs, without the permission of the patent holder under circumstances such as a national emergency.”
In fact the actual reason behind this controversial issue is (again, quoting an online source): “But the compulsory license provision has led to controversy and confusion about how and under what circumstances it should be applied.”
As mentioned before I do not agree with the use of a compulsory license due to the injustice on the part of the original makers of the drug. Yet, the value of the lives of those dying cannot be ignored. That being said, I would approve of the use of the compulsory license if and only if, an agreement of how and under what circumstances make up a national emergency.
Lastly, another reason why I strongly disagree with the use of the compulsory license (WITHOUT a proper agreement of how and what circumstances such as a national emergency), is because of the long term disadvantages that have a good possibility of happening in the future. Everyone has their limits, at one point or another abuse done to a person will one day make the person being abused fed up. Same concept goes if a country will use a compulsory license over and over the “steal” the original medicines from a certain drug company. Just like people, sooner or later the said company will lose the will to continue discovering and developing drugs. And who could blame them, if other countries just end up stealing the fruits of their hard work? In reference to the article once more, “Overall, drug companies are spending less on research (Reuters) and bringing fewer drugs to market than a decade ago.” At this rate the progress, medicine development will decline, and who will in turn suffer in the end?
Us.
All of which proves that if the use of a compulsory license (WITHOUT a proper agreement of how and what circumstances such as a national emergency), will only lead to confrontations between states, and ultimately OUR loss in the end.
References:
Retrieved from http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/76xx/doc7615/10-02-DrugR-D.pdf
Retrieved from http://www.cfr.org/drugs/debate-over-generic-drug-trade/p18055
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ReplyDeleteAs of now, as said above there exist a law, the generics act of 1988, that promotes, encourage and require the use of generic terminology in the importation, manufacture, distribution, marketing, advertising and promotion, prescription and dispensing of drugs.But other physicians oppose to this act, because they believe that the Bureau of Food and Drugs is not capable of ensuring the quality of the generic drugs.As a result, many of our physicians doesnt follow this act and still continue to prescribe medicines in their brand names and not their generic names,as stated in a survey conducted by the Medical Action Group (MAG), a member of Cut the Cost, Cut the Pain Network (3CPNet) "Out of the 100 prescriptions presented in selected drug outlets in Metro Manila, 20 of these have violated the law because 15 of the prescriptions have the brand of the medicine only and no generic names. The other 5 prescriptions have clear, legible brand names while the generic names were hardly readable, said the study." as stated also by the spokes person of 3CPNet Salvacion Paciano, these are clear violations committed against the right of the patient to choose cheaper but of the same quality medicines.
ReplyDeletethere is also a misconception by other patients that generic medicines are substandard, that is why even though physicians prescribe them branded medicines they dont question it. This common misconception also prevents the ultimate objective of the generics law.
I think it is better if the government strengthen the policies inside the law especially on the part of the prescription behavior of health professionals, the government should also resolve the issues on production, distribution, and consumption of generic drugs.
Generic drugs are being patronized by the government since it is more affordable and it has the same efficacy as branded drugs. The only difference between generic and branded drugs is the presence of the name. It skips the formalities of branding and the using of the manufacturer's name, making it more affordable. When it comes to policies, I think the only thing they should focus on is on the strict monitoring of the formulation of the said generic drugs. A policy regarding its use on medical research should also be implemented since some of these drugs are still undergoing clinical trials.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I know, the health bureau is encouraging people to use generic drugs since it is cheaper and has the same therapeutic effects as branded drugs.Like what I have said, same effect minus the pricy manufacturer's name.So, i guess the use of generic drugs should not be banned by the state.
The government should control the production of generic drugs since it is a commodity that is very much needed especially in times of outbreaks. Furthermore, generic drugs aren't really being directly controlled by the government in the production line. The bulk of the monitoring happens when it's already on the market.
reference: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=46204
Jackiri Numos 1POL2
ReplyDeleteGeneric drugs is somewhat similar with those which is branded in terms of ingredients, but looks different with the branded one.
In the Philippines generic drugs is very essential, because as we all know it's more affordable than the one's which is branded, we can even save up to 60% of the money spent rather than buying branded drugs. But some buyers have the difficulty choosing between the two because they thought that generic and branded drugs don't have the same quality and effect. Dr. Melissa Guerrero, Head of Department of Health's National Center of Pharmaceutical Access and Mananagement said that, "when it comes to the effect of the medicine in the treatment of any medical condition, branded and generic are the same". So there is no worry to buy generic because they have the same effect
,
So I think that the government should regulate the using of Generic drugs, because in time when we specially needed it we might have enough medicines to cure severe illness. The government can also make their own manufactory of generic drugs so it can lessen more the cost of it when they sell it.
I conclude this by saying no matter Generic or Branded drugs if it can save a LIFE then it's worth buying for.
REFERENCES:
http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/generic-drugs.shtml
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/current-affairs-programs/03/16/11/salamat-dok-generic-vs-branded-medicines
Katrina Ysobelle Hernandez 1POL1
ReplyDeleteThere are other countries wherein their government does not support and inform the people about the generic drugs that was developed to help them, so we should be thankful that our government have an existing policy which support the usage of generic medications. Although the policy still needs to be improve. Generic drugs are the equivalent of the branded drug; they are copies of brand-name drugs that have exactly the same dosage, intended use, effect, dosage, intended use and strength as the original. It may not be associated with a particular company; generic drugs are subject to the regulations of the government of countries where they are distributed. The biggest benefit that generic drugs provide is economic benefits. Generic drugs helps in the economy of the country because it forgo the expenses of developing, researching and marketing. Generic drugs are preferable since they don’t cost as much as the branded ones. Still the choice is up to the patient since some rely more on branded drugs. Even doctors is somewhat divided when it comes to this subject.
Catherine Mendoza 1POL2
ReplyDeleteBelonging to a third world country like the Philippines, health problems have always been an issue especially when it comes to the government providing enough resources for the citizens who are unable to afford expensive medicines.
That’s why generic drugs have become an essential part of the pharmaceutical market. Generic drugs are copies of brand-name drugs that have exactly the same dosage, intended use, effects, side effects, route of administration, risks, safety, and strength as the original drug. As for my opinion, I think that there is actually no downside regarding to having generic drugs part of the pharmaceutical market, in fact, I think it is very important as to have it there since as we all know not all Filipinos have the capability to buy such branded and expensive drugs. For the mentioned law from the previous comments which is the Generics Act of 1988, we have REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9502, An act providing for cheaper and quality medicines, amending for the purpose Republic Act No. 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code, Republic Act No. 6675 or the Generics Acts of 1988, and Republic Act No. 5921 or the Pharmacy Law, and for other purposes. These mentioned laws also strengthen the reason why Generics Drugs should be seen as an essential part when selling drugs. However, we can’t naturally just choose one side on this matter, there will also have to be limit and restrictions for the selling of generic drugs in the Philippine market. First of all, most of our generic drugs are import from other countries which weakens our economy. Not only that but also the local pharmaceutical companies that makes drugs and has their own brands may lead to bankruptcy because majority of the Filipino people will more likely choose to buy generic drugs which is cheaper that also has the same effects rather than branded expensive medicine.
Sources:
Definition of generic drugs: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=46204
Source of RA: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=46204
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ReplyDeleteJoshua Francis Roman1pol2
ReplyDeleteLetting the developing
countries produce generic drugs is good. Generic drugs would cost less because they wouldnt have to pay for the Research and Development costs that the patent holders used for creating their branded drugs. Also, since Generic drugs are cheap,obviously the people would prefer to buy them over branded drugs because there is no difference in the contents and effects.
But this would put the Patent holders in a pinch because if their branded drugs wont be sold, how will they be able to fund their Research for finding cures for sickness that are incurable today. If this keeps on going, the Patent holders would go bankrupt and we wont be able to discover new drugs.
In my opinion, the patent holders should have 10percent of the sales of Generic drugs because the idea originally came from them and this would also benefit both sides because Patent holders wouldnt have to go bankrupt and this would lead to the development of new drugs.
Lyle Ariane Regencia 1pol3
ReplyDeletei would like to support Ms.Catherine Mendoza of 1pol2 about the laws and policies we have in the Philippines namely REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9502, Republic Act No. 8293 Republic Act No 6675 and Republic Act No. 5921.
According to a survey conducted by Institute of Philippine Culture at Ateneo de Manila University in 2005, the legal drugs in our country is unaffordable and the low availability of the drugs. Institute of Philippine Culture at Ateneo de Manila University concluded that medicines for chronic diseases is very expensive for low paid unskilled worker. They also conclude that price of orignator brands and generic medicines in hospital survey is higher than the international reference prices.
For me, generic drugs should not be banned, but it need to be controlled. Generic drugs are much cheaper than orinator brand medicines that's why most of the masses prefer buying generic drugs.
The economy of our country is improving because of generic drugs because people would prefer buying them rather than depending on herbal medicines.
Our laws in the country should be strictly enforce to control it's rapid spread.
The Philippines has the laws but having them are not enough, the government should strongly enforce them.
Source about Republic act 6675: http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1988/ra_6675_1988.html
Survey about Medicine prices, availability,
affordability and price
components: http://www.haiweb.org/medicineprices/surveys/200502PH/sdocs/PhilippinesSummaryReportFINAL.pdf
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAnne Medlyn Laurel 1Pol1
ReplyDeleteGeneric drugs have the same dosage, use, effects risks and strength as the original or branded drug.Their difference is that generic drug is cheaper than the branded one.Generic drugs are only cheaper since manufacturers of these drugs have not had the expenses of developing and marketing a new drug.
Here in the philippines, not all people can afford to buy branded drugs.So filipinos tend to choose generic drugs.It is more practical than the branded ones.Filipinos can save more money.There is an existing policy called Generic Acts of 1988.It ensures that affordable and effective drugs are made available to all Filipinos.The government should ensure the quality of these drugs and give relevant information to
practicing physicians.I believe that we should be glad that our country recognizes the use of generic drugs.It is a big help for our people.
sources: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2045838
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=46204
Anne Medlyn Laurel 1Pol1
ReplyDeleteGeneric drugs have the same dosage, use, effects risks and strength as the original or branded drug.Their difference is that generic drug is cheaper than the branded one.Generic drugs are only cheaper since manufacturers of these drugs have not had the expenses of developing and marketing a new drug.
Here in the philippines, not all people can afford to buy branded drugs.So filipinos tend to choose generic drugs.It is more practical than the branded ones.Filipinos can save more money.There is an existing policy called Generic Acts of 1988.It ensures that affordable and effective drugs are made available to all Filipinos.The government should ensure the quality of these drugs and give relevant information to
practicing physicians.I believe that we should be glad that our country recognizes the use of generic drugs.It is a big help for our people.
sources: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2045838
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=46204
chelsea nava 1pol1
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, there is no need to ban generic drugs in our country because as far as I have seen we certainly require the help of these drugs for only in this way can the marginalized afford it and for our country where in we belong in the third world.
Based on medicinenet.com generic drugs have pharmacological effects which are exactly the same as those of their brand-name counter parts thus it is not true that generic drugs are substandard in quality than those of the original brands. the only difference is generic drugs are much cheaper because the producers have not had the expenses of developing and promoting a new drug. i believe that the use of generic drugs is much more practical for the economy of the Philippines. As Valerio tio said, human life is more important than the profit margins of large pharmaceutical companies.
There are two suggestions in which I would like to emphasize. First is to patent generic drugs of our own where in we don’t have to import generic drugs overseas for I predict that sooner in time these drugs which we import will slowly increase their prices for the reason that we cant control its prices because it is not ours. We should start to be independent to other countries in providing medicine for ourselves. Another suggestion is to create a policy in which will ensure that all generic drugs that we claim are truly safe and approved effective and efficient because even though I have said that generic drugs are not substandard i admit that there is still no assurance of its risks and effects.in this way consumers will have no reason to complain.
as of our relationship to other countries and the proliferation of generic drugs, i suppose it would not really matter to them and even if it matters. my stand about generic drugs not being banned will still prevail. for me, the main obligation of the government is to secure all filipinos of affordable and effective drugs.
RandolfRenzNalayog1POL1
ReplyDeleteI say that the Philippine Government should have a law regarding the control of the cost and the importing of generic drugs and the use of compulsory licences in the production and selling of generic drugs. Though Generic drugs are cheaper and are on demand by the marginalized especially here in the Philippines, it would be unjust for the drug’s patent holder and he/she would lose a huge percentage of its market without the proper agreements and without a compulsory licence. It would be a case of copyright infringement, it would worsen relationships with other states (only those who are patent drug holders and not those who export generic drugs), and it would be the cause of the cease in the production of new and more potent drugs.
Even though the production and selling of generic drugs are beneficial to those who can’t afford patent holder drugs, if not controlled, it will become a huge problem in the long run.
To me, generic drug is like love...too much of it will kill you and so as the lack of it. I therefore conclude that the answer to all this chaos is moderation. (bow) XD
Kudos to those who have already contributed to the richness of this online discussion. I applaud those who have posted sources and citation.
ReplyDeleteI also notice that some of students who seldom speak in class are voicing their ideas now through this activity. I hope to read more of your ideas.
Reminder, please use the appropriate syntax for the username. Don't use
initials,
nicknames,
or titles/name descriptors.
The syntax has been provided above, and even discussed previously in class.
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ReplyDeleteKim Jarata 1POL2
ReplyDeleteI do believe that generic medicines in the Philippines should not be banned. Generic medicines are considered a necessity in the Philippines. Since we are a developing country, affordability of medicines are dreadfully in need. Generic drugs are about the same as the branded ones with regards to effectivity, dosage, strength, safety, etc. Since the priority of the government is the people, the idea of the use of generic drugs paved way for the creation of the generics act of 1988 which promotes and encourages the use of generic terminology. It think it would be quite difficult for generic drugs to be banned since it provides business to the people and besides generic medicines are no doubtedly effective or why else would the people patronize it.
However, we do have to consider the effect of generic drugs in the pharmaceutical companies who make the branded medicines from scratch. Research, marketing, development and promotion uses millions of dollars and it is just fair for them to earn profit from their hard work.
The government should make sure that the generic drugs are approved and tested by the BFAD so that it would make it really beneficial to our people.
references: http://healthinsurance.about.com/od/prescriptiondrugs/a/generic_drug_safety.htm
Lyka Angelique Festin Villegas 1POL3
ReplyDeleteThe Philippine government should adopt the proliferation of generic drugs because these drugs are way cheaper than the branded ones having the same effect on curing Filipinos. As of my knowledge about the topic, the government already passed laws regarding these drugs. One of them is the Republic Act No. 9502—an act providing for cheaper and quality medicines, which amends the Republic Acts 8293, 6675, and 5921. These laws will help poor Filipinos to buy cheaper medicines that will have similar results regarding their health.
These generic drugs shouldn’t be banned but controlled by the state. Some people take advantage of non-prescription drugs to do offensive things such as over dosage or using the drugs to kill people. These drugs should be strictly organized by the government.
The effect of the spread of generic drugs regarding our country’s economy is that once the consumers have the knowledge about the cheaper medicines, the companies who produce branded drugs will lose customers. This is because more people will choose the cheaper ones—which are the generic drugs—than that of the expensive treatments.
Regarding to the Philippine's relationships with other states, I think that the production of our generic drugs can be imported to other countries and this will promote an economic and inter-state relationship between Philippines and other nations.
Nicole Kenneth Miguel 1POL2
ReplyDeleteI think its okay to use generic drugs in our country especially if it is for the benefit and welfare of our citizens as long as it is safe, reliable like those of branded drugs. In some situations, Filipinos would prefer to buy those of drugs that are generic rather than branded drugs because of its affordability.
According to the statement made by Population Commission (POPCOM) “there are 30.6 million Filipinos or 6.12 million families who are suffering from poverty and the population which is 87 million today grows 2.5 percent annually.” Moreover, most of the population is given very low income per month. Through this, many people cannot afford to buy branded medicines which are so expensive in the Philippines compare with the other industries like India, Afghanistan, and Thailand.
The drugs in the Philippines are so expensive because the government has never been interested in developing a truly independent and people oriented health care policy. Senator Mar Roxas saw this problem and decided to pass a Senate Bill no. 1658 which aims to provide quality and affordable drugs. In fact, this Bill has been approved last October 10, 2007 but until the present time, it is not yet implemented in the Philippines. With the condition of the Philippines’ economy, people prefer to buy cheaper medicines. Moreover, the production of generic medicines is indeed the only solution to the problem of the Philippines.
Filipinos also said that they prefer to buy generic drugs rather than branded drugs for the reason that those generic medicines, even though they are cheap, are also effective. It depends on the company that made it and the type of medicine itself. The best advantage of using it is price affordability which is very low compared to those of branded medicines.
Reference:
Gonzaga, R. B., Ordonez, M. C., & Nueva, O. N. (n.d.). Need for Generic Medicines - Scribd. Retrieved August 20, 2011, from Scribd: http://www.scribd.com/doc/6714265/Need-for-Generic-Medicines
Albert Vincent B. Montesa 1POL1
ReplyDeleteFor me, there is no need for the government to ban the selling of generic drugs because generic brands are not that really different from branded ones. The effectiveness of generic drugs is just the same with that of branded medicines. The only difference is that generic drugs are usually sold in a lower price compared with branded drugs. There are a lot of poor people especially those who cannot afford to buy those expensive brand do really need these generic drugs. For me a generic drug is a necessity and not an option for those Filipinos who are in need of expensive medical assistance.
In fact we need those generic drugs desperately but the Philippines needs to import these from other countries and importing generic drugs will not contribute to the development of our economy.
I would rather suggest that the government of the Philippines should pass enabling laws to strengthen the above mentioned laws like the Republic Act 6675 or popularly known as Generics Act of 1988, Republic Act 9502,Republic Act 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code, and Republic Act 5921.
Another thing is, the government must encourage foreign investors to invest in producing generic drugs in the country. With these actions, when the generic drug companies are able to produce enough generic drugs for the country, the Philippines may start to lessen the expenses on importing medicines from other countries. The government also can provide good health care and affordable medicines to the poor and there’s a lot of job waiting for those jobless Filipinos.
BeryllBarcenas1POL1
ReplyDeleteI personally believe that generic drugs is vital to our society. Generic drugs are very cheap, cheap in a sense that every citizen can afford. Generic Drugs are imitations of the original branded drugs with the exact same effect(Stoppler, Melissa M.D). In the current situation of our country, I would have to say that generic drugs will dominate branded ones because of the pricing. The people would not bother buying expensive drugs when there are other alternatives with the same effect but is more cheaper. Generic drugs are cheaper because the manufacturers of generic medicines only need to cover its production and marketing costs. They did not invest on expensive research and development costs which the original pharmaceutical company did.
While this alone means that cheap drugs or generic drugs are being sold and consumed by considerable number of people, branded drugs still enjoyed their brand loyalty, their consumers still relied on them. Besides, we can’t forget the fact that, all these years the market was rapidly expanding for both generics and brand name drugs due to increasing healthcare awareness, increased spending on healthcare and global population increase.
Still, there was a major problem that needed to be answered. The brand, being an intellectual property, which has taken years of time to research and development, was under threat from generic drugs. It is clear that the first seeds of global patent were sown to accord exclusive marketing rights for the original inventor of brand name drugs for 20 years.
Truly, patent protection is an answer to the concerns of multinational corporations; they could sell their products exclusively and at high costs decided by them as sufficient for them to recover their developmental and intellectual costs. But at the end of the day drugs are going to be consumed by ordinary citizens no matter whether they are within their means to cover the cost or whether they are covered by insurance or nothing at all.
Generics are allowed in almost every country on certain grounds during the exclusivity period also and this is an old enough issue to be normal for the patients as well as doctors to treat generic drugs and cheap drugs on par with branded drugs.
Sources:
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=46204
http://fitzvillafuerte.com/generic-medicines-a-comparative-price-study-on-generic-cholesterol-and-other-maintenance-medicines.html
Alexandra Nicolle de Guzman
ReplyDeleteGeneric drugs have the same effect with the branded drugs. Low income families prefer to buy generic drugs to cure them because this is cheaper. That is the drug they can afford to survive with their illness, I think it’s really unfair for them to band those drugs. It’s like they also banned the opportunity of those patients who can’t afford buying the branded drugs to survive with their illness.
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAljon Pangan 1POL3
ReplyDeleteFirst I would like to define what generic drug is
Generic drug is a medication sold under its generic name; - usually legal only after the patent has expired, or if no patent was issued for the substance. Generic drugs are usually less expensive than proprietary medications.
As stated above generic drugs are less expensive rather than branded drugs. That’s why I think generic drug here in the Philippines is essential wherein majority of the Filipinos are incapable of buying branded drugs because of financial problems. As a matter of fact here in the Philippines we already have a law regarding the use of generic drugs which is known as Republic Act No. 6678, The Generic Drugs Act. The law encourages the use of generic drugs (medicine) as a way of reducing the costs of medicine, REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6675
AN ACT TO PROMOTE, REQUIRE AND ENSURE THE PRODUCTION OF AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY, DISTRIBUTION, USE AND ACCEPTANCE OF DRUGS AND MEDICINES IDENTIFIED BY THEIR GENERIC NAMES. Known as "Generics Act of 1988." And in my own assumption there is no need to ban Generic drugs here in our country because it is useful in the way that it cures illness just like the branded drugs and it makes our life pretty much easier because these drugs are less expensive compare to the branded drugs. But we should strengthen some provision or laws regarding the import of these drugs because it might affect the economy of our country because we all know that generic drugs are imported to different countries that might cause of the fall of our own economy. But as a whole we should not ban Generics drugs here in our country.
References:
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/generic+drug (Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, published 1913 by C. & G. Merriam Co.)
http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno6675.htm
http://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/pimentel_bio.asp
Ivan Cocjin 1POL2
ReplyDeleteGeneric drugs are created mainly for the people who can’t afford the branded ones. It is not, however, true, the belief that it is less effective than those of branded drugs. It wouldn’t be allowed by the BFAD if its effectiveness and dosage are suspicious and lacks in amount. Meaning, all of the drug merchandisers must go through and pass the standards of BFAD (Bureau of Food and Drugs). I don’t see any problems and/or implications regarding the proliferation of generic drugs in terms of local economy. I guess it will just badly affect the foreign pharmaceutical market that export well-known and trusted brand of drugs, because we already have the substitutes on it which is the generic drugs.
More than 50% of our population consists of poor families, and with that, it implies that the demand for cheaper drugs is high, therefore there’s no reason for the government to ban or control the general drugs because it is beneficial for the majority of the population of our country, and since we are a democratic country, the majority shall be the boss. On the contrary, producers of branded drugs should not worry because there are still those of 20% of our population who can afford – the rich / aristocrats. They make sure that the drugs they will purchase is well-known because their mindset is ‘branded drugs are the trusted ones, and those are not is ineffective.’
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ReplyDeleteMary Louise Leonardo 1Pol1
ReplyDeleteI believe that generic drug usage in the Philippines should not be banned because of the benefits it brings to us Filipinos especially since there are many among us who cannot give into the demands of high pricing of medicinal drugs. It is also quite difficult for generic drugs to be banned in our country because of the stiff competition in making it to this business. I say that banning it would be no of use at all. These generic drugs are also the same as the branded ones; they are affordable for the masses and effective as the original one. However, we, especially the government must also consider the drawbacks to generic drug usage; one is the harmful effects that the fake ones could bring about. The government must ensure that the generic drugs available in the market are safe through agencies such as BFAD or DOH. Another is the injustice it brings to drug patent holders. Government must ensure control to the usage of generic drugs because it is obviously unfair for the drug patent holders who created original, branded and expensive medicines to lose from their hard work and effort in satisfying the people with effective drugs. Government must ensure proper regulatory measures in generic drug usage because it would technically be a serious problem in the future if we continue advocating only the generic drugs instead of branded ones. There are those countries who are not exporting generic drugs. This drawback would not help in building a harmonious relationship with those countries because of the competition in drug marketing of generic drugs and branded drugs. Thus, both generic and branded drugs must be available for the Filipino citizens in order for them to know which one is effective enough in curing their sickness. There must be a wide selection for the Filipinos in order for them to know which ones would help them prolong their life. I believe that both are effective enough but it is up to the people whether they would want to use the generic or the branded drugs. The government must ensure safety and availability of these drugs for all the people and enforce regulatory measures in the distribution of generic drugs and branded drugs throughout the Philippines to be fair with the original creators of medicinal drugs. No banning, but only proliferation of both kinds of drugs to help ensure a healthy society for the Filipino people
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ReplyDeleteKim Montero 1POL3
ReplyDeleteI would like to point out that there’s no need for the Philippines to ban the production, the selling or even the usage of generic drugs. It is in line with the Republic Act No. 6675 popularly known as the Generics Act of 1988, which main aim is TO PROMOTE, REQUIRE AND ENSURE THE PRODUCTION OF AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY, DISTRIBUTION, USE AND ACCEPTANCE OF DRUGS AND MEDICINES IDENTIFIED BY THEIR GENERIC NAMES.
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Many people doubted about the effectiveness of generic drugs, as the latter to a large extent are cheaper than branded ones. They wonder if the quality and potency have been changed to make less expensive products. Generic drugs are compulsory to be as safe and efficient as branded drugs. Generic drugs in the first place are not harmful, for their "Active Ingredients" are what generally the branded drugs are composed of.
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Kim Montero 1POL3
ReplyDeleteThere are just certain reasons why brandeds are more expensive than generic ones. First, branded drugs are made by well-known companies. Second, producers of branded drugs have to spend big amounts of money in order to develop and to market a new medication. Third, the medicines are being sold in monopoly basis and so without any competition, the company can sell its medicines at any price. This shows that people are forced to buy those kinds of medicines because they have no choice and there are no competing products. Lastly, the costs of medicines are being affected by taxes given by the Government in certain products. All of the products in a certain country have additional taxes to pay and this is the reason why the medicines become more expensive.
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Kim Montero 1POL3
ReplyDeleteFor me, it is beneficial that the Philippine Government adopt an act that would deal with problems for diseases that demand high prices of medicines for treatment that which many Filipino citizens could not afford easily because of their low income. Such an act pointing or directing at a goal of reduction of prices at the lowest possible cost for quality diagnostics and medicines and advancing the progress at which these are made available.
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Kim Montero 1POL3
ReplyDeleteHere in the Philippines, we can definitely feel the widespread proliferation of generic drugs because certainly, we belong to the third world countries or developing countries. These drugs are cheaper that developing countries can easily afford than the branded ones. These drugs are generally developed in such countries in order for the people to afford the price of the kind of medicines they needed. Third World Countries are classified by these various indices: their Political Rights and Civil Liberties, the Gross National Income (GNI) and Poverty of countries, the Human Development of countries, and the Freedom of Information within a country. The first indication that the Philippines is a third world country is that it suffers from high infant mortality. Second, the Philippines has low economic progress. Third, it has high levels of poverty, given are the marginalized people. Fourth, we belong to the developing countries because of our low utilization of natural resources. And lastly, we depend much on industrialized countries.
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Kim Montero 1POL3
ReplyDeleteIn addition, in order to determine whether people prefer to buy generic medicines, some researchers together with the students of De La Salle University Dasmariñas, University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines, and Philippine Normal University held a survey. The result shows that people prefer to buy generic drugs. There are 51% out of 100% who prefer generics because it may actually be a solution to the problem of very expensive branded medicines. The researchers also asked the respondents what is their reason for preferring generic drugs than branded drugs. A majority of respondents said that they prefer to buy generic drugs because those are less cheap.
So I say, as long as generic drugs are used in an appropriate way and for an appropriate medication, it’s not necessary for a state to ban it, especially if those medicines are beneficial for citizens within that state.
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Kim Montero 1POL3
ReplyDeleteSOURCES:
http://portal.doh.gov.ph/ra/ra6675.html
http://www.myhealthtoday.com/are-generic-drugs-as-good-as-branded-ones/
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6714265/Need-for-Generic-Medicines
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ReplyDeleteIf the Philippines is to terminate the importation of generic drugs, then it denotes that we have to fabricate our own. However, that is unattainable to transpire FOR NOW. It’s because not wholly the finest raw materials are from the Philippines. As such, the limited market doesn’t allege the investment of a large capital in yielding raw materials. Meaning, producing a single drug will cost much and we are all sentient that in our current time, Philippines can’t tolerate on its own. We are contingent on other countries like in the United States. As such, US economically withhold the entire world.
ReplyDeleteMoreover, if we rely on branded drugs, our budget on other stuffs will deprecate because of the budget imposed on the branded ones than the generic drugs because on my point of view, just like others’ point, branded drugs and generic drugs are virtually the same, they just vary on their costs. It is expressed that generic drugs cost lesser than the branded ones and since it is cheaper, more Filipinos will have the propensity to procure generic drugs since our society is comprised of destitute people.
If the genuine purpose of the government is to serve the people, then the government needs not to end the importation of generic drugs. It’s not because our society will avail more from the branded drugs than the generic ones. In an appropriate society, as the government benefits from the people economically, the people also benefits from the government. How? The government benefits from the people through taxes that they compensate as they consume goods r services. And at the same time, the people will benefit from the government, in the health care aspect, through generic drugs that we import because of their affordable prices. But based on the article, there is this double spending on drugs by the government for better health care. Certainly, we can procure better health care even if we import generic drugs because we have these departments accountable for securing health services such as the BFAD if they will just work responsibly.
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ReplyDeleteMa.KristelCapio1POL1 Generic drugs have been a great help to the Filipino community for such a very long time. We all know that the Philippines is a third world country, and many of our population cannot afford to buy branded medicines. Generic drugs are patronized more by those patients who have less in life. In fact there is no difference between generic drugs and branded medicine when it come s to their effectiveness, dosage, strength and use, it's only their names that differ and the fact that generic medicines are more affordable than branded ones.
ReplyDeleteAs what they have said, there is an existing policy called Generic Acts of 1988 that promote, encourage and require the use of generic terminology in the importation, manufacture, distribution, marketing, advertising and promotion, prescription and dispensing of drugs; ensure adequate supply of drugs with generic names at the lowest possible cost and endeavor to make them available for free to indigent patients; encourage the extensive use of drugs with generic names through a rational system of procurement and distribution; emphasize the scientific basis for the use of drugs in order that health professionals may become more aware and cognizant of their therapeutic effectiveness and promote drug safety by minimizing duplication in medications and/or drugs with potentially adverse drug interactions. For me, the government should have further policies for protection, security, appropriate use of generic drugs and proper ways of production. Because there are some companies that produces illegal generic drugs.
JohnCarloPechon 1POL1-For a country like The Philippines, I think it palatable to use generic drugs for it can help for the welfare of the member of the state of our country. For Filipinos nowadays live almost below the poverty line, they extremely need a cheaper way to afford medicine Branded drugs are considered as one of the cost-effective tools for fighting ill health yet an estimated one-third of the world population lacks regular access to essential drugs .But the generic drugs which cost much less than branded drugs has the same substance and effect that branded medicine has. It doesn’t mean that if the medicine that the doctor prescribed you to drink is generic it is less effective than the one which is branded and have a higher value.
ReplyDeleteThe Philippine government has already made or adopts some policies regarding this invasion of generic drugs in our country. One of the policies that our government made is the Generic Act of 1988 which encourages and provokes the use of generic drugs than the branded ones. It also made that the physician should always first write the generic brand first before the branded, if it is not follow, there will be penalty which will be impose.
Monica Ramirez 1POL1
ReplyDeleteI see how everyone does support the proliferation of generic drugs in our country. It is obvious that our country is facing unbearable poverty. So the government must adjust to the state of its people. They must push laws that will certainly cope up with the needs of its people especially concerning the lives of every Filipino. And actually, regarding this matter, there are already laws that had been tried to implement like the Republic Act t No. 6675 where more popularly known as the “generic law”. But according to Alecks P. Pabico it has unfortunately suffered from years of lax implementation. And what is sadder about it is that the Philippines has the highest drug prices in Asia next to Japan. It’s almost as if the country had no law aimed precisely at bringing down the cost of medicines to levels the masses could afford.
So what am I pointing is, the law must be done with an adequate action to sustain the needs of people. Because according to some generic-drug manufacturers and distributors, the government agencies haven’t been very supportive of them, even if they are nothing less than willing participants in the government’s campaign to make basic medicines affordable.
Like BFAD, they are gripping for its agency’s slow paced. They need to register their products with BFAD as alternatives to off-patent branded medicines but the registration normally takes a year and can extend up to two years and that delay is a plus for the big pharmaceutical firms because they continue to be free from competition. While the generic companies is experiencing business lost while they are waiting the certificate of product registration to be approved. (CONT.)
Aside from that, it’s bad enough that Filipino doctors continue to associate generic medicine with poor quality. I’ve already read from other comments that generic drugs must be as safe and effective as brand name drugs. But, why there are several generic companies likewise question the need for bioequivalence studies? Because, according to my reliable source, the determination of drug approval is made according to whether it is pharmaceutically equivalent, bio-available, and bioequivalent. Meaning people whom would intake this generic medicines will not fully grasped all the necessary substance they needed in order to cure their illness and it may only lead for further medication.
ReplyDeleteNow, it doesn’t mean that I do not support the side wherein generic drug must not be banned. Instead, I just want to show possible reason why generics be banned by the state. So in order to avoid it, government must be aware enough to strongly apply the policies they were implementing. Care not only for their selves but also for others in order to attain progress.
Lastly, according to Carlos Correa, an international expert on intellectual property law and public health said that the Philippines’ Intellectual Property Code had not contemplated several flexibilities in the TRIPS Agreement, particularly parallel importation and the “Bolar exception.” To develop a patent regime that provides for a comprehensive set of rules consistent with the Agreement and protects and promotes public health, Correa advised the country to look into other issues such as the extent of rights conferred by a patent application and grant. And there is the US-RP Bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) that is currently under negotiations.
References:
http://pcij.org/tag/cheaper-medicine/
http://www.roadback.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/studies.sub/subgroup_ID/17.html
AaronVincentGabrielF.Reolope1pol1
ReplyDeleteThe generic drugs, as I have read in the past periodicals, has the same effect as branded medicines sold in the Philippine market, however many filipinos still don't have the confidence in taking these medicines (generics) so large volume of imported generic medicines are put to waste.
I think that, first the government must orient the people about generic drugs through advertisements of the department of health. With this, people will have the confidence in buying and using such medicines because the Department of Health is the most credible government agency to do that, in addition to that,if possible, the Legislature should pass a law which states that doctors in the Philippines should prescribe generics instead of branded medicines. Also, a way of promoting it is to produce and advertise government-owned pharmacies that sell generics.
Secondly there should be partnership of the Philippines and the countries that produce
ReplyDeletegeneric drugs and make an agreement with them to allow filipino scientists and medicine
producers to study there how to make medicines. It will be like the Scenario of the IRRI or
the International Rice Research Institute in Los Banos, Philippines (i think that's the
location) where different countries studied there how to produce quality rice. If this would
happen, our country will reduce the importing part of the budget and there will be more
money to be allocated in other important matters because we will have the ability to produce
our own generic medicines and we will be assured that there will be no case of graft and
corruption because there will be no more importing transactions, moreover we might as well
be competent in exporting these medicines.
Lastly, filipinos can also acquire cheaper medicines because if all that is stated in my
second opinion, there will be less taxes to be paid in purchasing these medicines because
medicines are not anymore imported. These opinions if granted will be helpful to our
economy.
There will be many talks to be held to put these into actions. The prime agent that will
make this possible are government agencies and other political institutions that are
responsible in solving this issue. To make my views possible, we should have good, credible,
and trustworthy officials in all of the institutions involved. The future is still in the
hands of our government.
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ReplyDeleteJocelMarieCastillo1POL1
ReplyDeleteGeneric drugs are really helpful to those people who can’t afford the branded one because the price of generic drugs are much cheaper than those. The tendency of this is, the people will buy those generics drugs for its cheap price.
But I think, our country should limit the generic drugs that was being produced. As we all know, many people will buy the generic drugs because it is cheaper. Then, the company that produces the branded drugs needs to lower the price of their drugs so that it will still be bought in the market. But, what if they realize that they are not getting the cost they should get from producing those branded drugs? What if they are not getting enough profit for lowering the prices? What if they are not gaining anything? Maybe, as a result, they will not import drugs in our country anymore because of the decreased that happened in their profit. Another reason is that the price they mandated is not covering their expenses. And when that happens, no more medicine will be produce in our country from different countries. How if there are diseases and illnesses that might arise in our country that can’t be cure by our own drugs? We need drugs from abroad because they have more developed research laboratory. Where can we get drugs if other countries don’t want to import in our country?
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ReplyDeleteAylaCristobal 1POL1
ReplyDeleteGeneric drugs are pharmaceutical products, usually intended to be interchangeable with an innovator product or the branded pharmaceutical products that is manufactured without a license from the innovator company and marketed after the expiry date of the patent or other exclusive rights.
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JeanGalvez1POL1 There were different insights about generic medicines. Some people said that their quality is very low because they are cheaper than branded drugs. Well, most probably, it is not true because in fact, the significant difference of the two drugs is the patent protection. Generic medicines can be called as heroes especially in most depressed areas because they undoubtedly help us to save our money.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many things that the generic drugs can do to particular or different people in the society. If the people continue to use generic drugs as their medicines or means of sustaining life, the companies of generic drugs will supply more that will be consumed by the people. Thus, increasing our economy. The doctors also will be aware that the most of us can afford generics rather than those branded ones, making them to prescribe generic drugs and entrusting them to be effective like the branded medicines. And for me, the most important is we will be able to know that there is a possible alternative for very expensive medicines. Indeed, alternative solution is very necessary because if there would be no more affordable medicines, death rate might increase. Philippines really need generic medicines in its poor status today.
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ReplyDeleteThe reasons why people in the Philippines purchase generic drugs rather than the brand-name version are because generic drugs are cheaper to purchase and are more readily available. These are frequently effective as brand-name drugs but much cheaper than them. Because of their low price, generic drugs are often the only medicines that the poorest can access. However, not all generic drugs have the same result as the brand-name ones. Even though the content and dosage of the drugs are the same, each version of the drug may react differently with different people and they work or take effect longer that’s why in some cases, a generic version may not be sufficient.
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ReplyDeleteI support Alex Romualdez’s opinion that the Philippine government should provide further provisions concerning safety and proper use of these generic drugs. In my opinion, I say that the government must control the proliferation of generic drugs for we can never assure that all medicines we take can actually cure our sickness. These drugs can also cause sickness or make the sickness worse. The government should assure the safety of the people in our country. I also support Lyka Villegas of 1POL3 regarding our country’s relationship with other countries or states that the production of our generic drugs can be imported to other countries and this will promote an economic and inner-state relationship between Philippines and other nations.
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ReplyDeleteGeneric drugs shouldn’t be banned in the Philippines but they should be controlled by the state for as long as they meet quality requirements, they should be encouraged. The proliferation of these generic drugs helps the people in the Philippines especially the marginalized or the poor people and the ones who couldn’t afford to buy expensive medicines since generic drugs are less in terms of price. But even though we know that generic drugs have the same content, dosage, and effect as to the brand-name version, on our part, we should be more careful enough on what generic drugs we use and should only take the prescriptions of the doctor.
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ReplyDeleteI suggest the Philippine government to use the P33.3 billion 2011 health budgets accurately. They must appropriately budget its use. And in my opinion I believe they should put in thought while budgeting to give a larger part for medicines. It is with the reason that in every illness or diseases there would always be a prescription or treatment involve. And one of the basic ways to cure these health problems is through medicines. Eventhough there is already the Generics Act of 1988 which is indeed a big help for the citizens. It is delightful to know that our government sees some shortcoming in terms of manufacturing generic drugs. They created the Generics Act of 1988 to ensure the quality of generic drugs. But we should accept the fact that it is not enough. Thus, the government shall create provisions to further maintain the effectiveness of generic drugs to the people.
I don’t consider the fact that generic drugs must be banned or regulated in our country. It is valid that generic drugs are cheaper and much affordable than branded medicines. However, its low price must be equivalent to a high quality and valuable medicine. The reason why the price of generic drugs is low is because the pharmaceutical companies just need to cover its production and invention. The government should put in mind that the reason why most of the people are availing generic drugs is due to the reason that they are being realistic and practical. Nowadays, financial struggles are occurring and so if people are sick they have a tendency to rely on cheaper products. Here comes the job of the government to protect the safety and welfare of its citizens.
ReplyDeleteMIAMENDOZA1POL1
ReplyDeleteWe should accept the verity that generic drugs are basically medicines derived from original and branded prescriptions. The moment the exclusive right to market invention for the primary product has run out the company who first created the product has already no right to create such medicine. So it will result for other companies to grab the opportunity to develop their own generic drugs.
JeanoelEndaya1POL1
ReplyDeleteFor me, there is no real need in banning generic drugs or even strict control on it, what the government needs to do is to support this industry. Why is there a need to support generic drugs? It is needed because the effect of it will be a pure competition setup in the market that will level the prices of every medicine there is. Aside from the fact that generic drugs are really cheap compare to the branded drugs but still having the same effect because it was made with the same ingredients.
Having said this, the government should make provisions that should help the people that cannot afford the drugs they need. I think the government should adopt policies the support the production of generic drugs or better yet produce the country's own generics and regulate them. I think this is plausible, but right now, I still think it's a long-shot. Our government put its citizens' welfare first, and I believe it should pursue policies that addresses this problem. I think they should pick the best policy for the nation's interest, regarding this subject.
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ReplyDeleteCELVIN MACAYANA 1POL1
ReplyDeleteIn a developing country like the Philippines, generic drugs are very beneficial especially to the people who can’t afford the more expensive branded drugs. The low cost of generic medicines naturally leads consumers to question their quality and efficacy. While Filipinos already know that generic medicines have the same medicinal compounds as branded ones, they are still generally in the dark as to why generics are cheaper. What makes them different? Who manufactures them? Are they any less effective?
A generic drug according to Janet W. Estrañero, franchise director of The Generics Pharmacy, is simply a branded drug that uses a different name. “Generic drugs use the same chemical compounds or active ingredients as branded ones, so that alone should ease any fears or doubts about their efficacy,” she says. Once the patent expires, usually after 20 years, any other company can manufacture the drug and sell it with the same active ingredients as the branded one—minus the high originator’s cost.
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ReplyDeleteCelvin Macayana 1Pol1
ReplyDelete(continuation)
I think there’s no reason for the government to ban generic drugs but rather control it so that it will not monopolize the pharmaceutical industry that will affect large drug companies who are selling brand-name drugs. Policies have been made in order to lower the prices of brand-name drugs like what did former Pres. Arroyo done last June, she implemented the price cut regulation (under the Cheaper Medicines Act) in all brand-name drugs in order to reduce the cost of the pharmaceuticals to make it more affordable to Filipino masses. But the price cut regulation caused the decline of profits of the drug companies. Small drug retailers might subject for closure if they sell the drugs in a lower price. While brand-name drugs still account for a large proportion of the drugs market here, generic competitors were beginning to gain in popularity, driven by the spread in recent years of generics-based chain stores up and down this densely populated country.
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ReplyDeleteMa.KristelCapio1POL1 For me, the banning of generic drugs will bring no good to the Filipino people, especially to those who can't really afford to buy branded medicines.
ReplyDeleteAs what Faye Cabalang of 1POL1 said 32.9% or 27.6 million of the population of the Philippines are poor. Let's come to think of it, if patients from this 32.9% are prohibited from buying generic drugs, and since the branded medicines can't be afforded by their budget, they tend to not buy medicines instead. If this would happen, the result is increase in the number of deaths. If we ban generic drugs it's like we didn't give them a chance to be cured and live again a normal life without any illness.
Our less fortunate countrymen, or let's say even the middle ones and the higher class have benefited a lot from generic drugs. So why ban it from our country?
Francis Esteban 1POL1
ReplyDeleteWell all I can say is that I agree with everyone that generic drugs are beneficial for the Filipino people. Facing the fact that we are a third world country, generic drugs would fit the budget of a common Filipino.
There are many laws regarding the promotion of generic drugs but what I think the Filipino people need is a law regarding the proper distribution of these generic drugs especially to rural areas.
Larrence Paolo Braga 1Pol1
ReplyDeleteIn my own perspective, I believe that the selling of the generic drugs in our country shouldn't be banned. Many people in the Philippines are in poverty ,thus, cannot afford those branded and quite expensive drugs and preferred to buy the cheaper ones- which are the generic drugs. At the same time, it will help our country's economy because we won't need to export branded drugs from the other countries.
We should also have enabling laws to have more support for the Republic Act no. 6675 or the Generics Act of 1988.
I believe that the government should be responsible in overseeing the regulation of generic drugs. The marketing and production of it should be marginalized enough to ensure the quality of the generic products. Private generic drug companies should not be allowed to function without full compliance to government policies. The state should provide regulations that would make sure that the patents used for the drugs are upto date and that the generic companies do not monopolize the industry. The generic Act of 1988 allowed the majority of physicians to lose confidence in the quality of available drugs. I do not want to think pessimistically but I think the abundant number of generic drugs could not be absolutely regulated by the government. Recently in the Philippines, generic markets used the strategy of forming subsidiaries in marketing different products to conceal the fact that both physicians and the people are supporting a centralized market. This is a huge disadvantage to our economy and private research facilities. It affects our economy for when the consumers start to patronize generic drugs that yield low prices and low profits for other private companies, the versatility of benefitting companies are disfranchised. In a larger scale, this problem leads to the decrease of research funding for new patents of drugs. Generic companies are not the companies who provide new medical innovations that physicians will prescribe; it is the leading international private companies who accomplishes that job for them. When it comes to international relations and trade, international companies may feel that they are being deceived by our generic companies for instead of purchasing their products we acquire their patents to make our own generic markets in the Philippines. In conclusion, I rely more on the insurance of the quality of drugs instead of the quantity of its distribution, Generic drugs should be state- controlled.
ReplyDeletenash tec--> natashatec1POL2 :)
ReplyDeleteIvanLuzuriaga1POL2
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, what is a generic drug? A generic drug is a copy of a brand name drug whose patent has expired. The original manufacturer of a drug receives a patent on the drug and is the only manufacturer who can produce and sell the drug during this patent period. Once the patent expires, other manufacturers may produce and sell the drug. These manufacturers usually sell the drug under its common or generic name.
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ReplyDeleteI personally think that using generic drugs in the Philippines isn't a bad idea. Economically speaking, the company-owned drugs with the "brands" will have a plummeting profit and drug prices will sharply fall. Which to me is a good thing considering we are living in a third world country. Let's accept facts that the Philippines may seem rich but if we're really looking at the details and technicality of things, we are only considered as a Lower-Middle Income Country for our population isn't exactly the whole of our working force because some of the people in our country don't find ways on being productive or aren't given enough chances to get back up from poverty.
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ReplyDeleteGoing back, I read an article about New York and the sudden price drops of certain branded drugs thus reducing prices up to 60%, much like generic drugs because generic drugs are around 20-80% cheaper than drugs with patents. Most people there too have problems purchasing branded drugs much like the people here in the Philippines. I definitely think that generic drugs are better in a microeconomic sense since people will buy more because medicine nowadays are crucial to a person's welfare and stable health.
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ReplyDeleteRose Anne Dona 1POL2
ReplyDeleteThe Philippines is a lower/middle income country, where only a minority of the population has access to adequate healthcare. Drugs in the country are therefore widely unaffordable. However, generic drugs make possible to some marginalized Filipinos an easier access of cheaper medicines.
Low-cost generic drugs should be very popular with the government. However, the promotion of this sector has not been strong and progress in raising the profile of generic medicines remains slow. Philippine-made generic medicines are contributing significantly to the pharmaceutical industry’s growth because they are generally cheaper than the equivalent brand name drug (due to much lower marketing and development costs); and that many distributors and consumers buy them which results into, I think so an increased volume consumption of the good, increased demand and higher profit. Therefore, generic drugs should not be banned.
Rose Anne Dona 1POL2
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Although there has been the UNIVERSALLY ACCESSIBLE CHEAPER AND QUALITY MEDICINES ACT OF 2008 (an act providing for cheaper and quality medicines, amending for the purpose R.A. 8293 or the INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CODE, R.A. 6675 OR THE GENERICS ACT OF 1988, and REPUBLIC ACT NO. 5921 or THE PHARMACY LAW, and for other purposes), it is seemingly slow in effect.
I think what the government shall do now is to strengthen those existing enabling laws of the state regarding efficient, legal, and proper production of drugs, its importation (attract foreign investments that shall generate national income), dissemination, and quality control; reinforce strong policies through agencies and some private sectors; keep an eye on counterfeit drugs; and most of all provide adequate healthcare to the Filipino people.
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ReplyDeleteEllaine Anne Lozano Bernardino 1POL2
ReplyDeleteThe Philippines as we know it, is a third world country, majority of the population is experiencing poverty. In the bad situation of the state, like having an unsanitary environment, a lot of Filipinos are getting ill who can't afford costly hospital bills and expensive medicines.
I firmly disagree that generic drugs should be banned in the country, since it helps a lot of indigent citizens. It is evident that it is much cheaper than the branded drugs, making it affordable to everyone who is in need; plus it also has the same effect as of those that are branded ones. However, I think that it should be controlled by implementing a policy that ensures its safety and effectiveness. Since there are no more patents, we must be aware of the scope and limitations of generic drugs, that because there are too many in the market, others might be not good in quality.
As a political science student, I believe that having generic drugs in the pharmaceutical market is ECONOMIC-WISE. As for the proliferation of generic drugs, the Philippines has an existing policy that is the “Generics Act of 1988” that ensures that the drugs with generic names have enough supply at the cheapest possible price and try to make them available for free to poor patients. It is good that this policy promotes generic drugs that can help our economy. First, it helps the poor manage to pay for low-cost drugs. Second, it creates better relationship to other states through imports; and it also allows us to form business transactions in other countries.
Selling generic drugs as an alternative to the expensive ones benefits a lot of people in the country. At present, and regarding the country’s situation, it is more practical for us to have generic drugs. The poor is given a chance to buy the medicine he/she needs since it is cheaper. And due to poverty, I CAN SAY THAT GENERIC DRUGS HELP SAVE LIVES.
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete(Continuation)
ReplyDeleteReading the REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6675 or the Generics Act of 1988, the Philippines PROMOTES the use of such drugs since they do cost less and more people will be able to afford them. Although the RA wasn't made exactly to be "brief" but it was concise. The RA also promoted an educational drive on the use of generic drugs and it's purpose. It also set limitations on what the government can do about generic drugs.
To sum up my case, I believe that the state should NOT ban the use of generic drugs. Why? Because it helps the lower class to cope up in terms of health. In terms of economy, the Filipino families will be able to save a lot from these drugs and it also avoids unnecessary competition in the industry of drugs.
References:
http://www.tsbp.state.tx.us/consumer/broch3.htm
http://data.worldbank.org/about/country-classifications/country-and-lending-groups#Low_income
http://articles.boston.com/2011-07-25/business/29813405_1_generic-brand-name-drugs-prescription-drugs
http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno6675.htm
Geraldine Li 1pol3
ReplyDeletePharmaceutical companies spend time and money on research and development of new medicines. Once they are able to come up with one that passes government health tests and standards, the pharmaceutical company will be given exclusive rights to manufacture and market the product globally for a period of around 20 years. This will allow them to recover their costs for R&D.
After that, the patent expires and the product can now be manufactured and sold by other companies. And that’s when medicines of different brands but same generic names come out.
Generic medicine believes that since the active ingredients and formula is the same,then the quality, safety and efficacy of these drugs should also be the same as the originator of the branded pharmaceutical product.
For me,generic medecines are safe to use because both branded and generic medicines are required to undergo and approved by BFAD before they can buy in market.Hindi ibig sabihin nito na dahil sa mura ang generic ay hindi na effective.generic medecines are cheaper because,manufacturers of generic medicines only need to cover its production and marketing costs. They did not invest on expensive research and development costs which the original pharmaceutical company did.
reference:
http://fitzvillafuerte.com/generic-medicines-a-comparative-price-study-on-generic-cholesterol-and-other-maintenance-medicines.html
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ReplyDeleteThyronAnthonyBarot 1POL1
ReplyDeleteAs said in the previous comments, Generic medicines contain the same active ingredients as their brand name equivalents and are used the same way. Generic drugs typically offer significant cost savings because the companies selling them do not have to recoup research and development money. Often, once the patent on a name brand drug expires, the company that owns the name brand will actually start marketing the generic version in addition to the name brand version. All generic medicines have the same potency as name brand drugs.
(continuation)
ReplyDeleteIn a country where the preservation of life is about a constant struggle for searching varied ways on how to evade death and to sustain the humanity like The Philippines, the use and proliferation of generic drugs will be a tremendous help to obtain freedom from diseases at cheaper rates. For me Branded drugs, including essential, life-saving ones, are priced way too steep beyond the reach of ordinary Filipinos and the ultimate cause to this problem is the unregulated free-market forces that wreak havoc on the country’s healthcare system and the fact that the pharmaceutical industry is so dominant that it can dictate whatever price it wants.
(continuation)
ReplyDeleteI say that the Government should not ban the use of generic drugs for the sake of life rather they should strengthen the laws that promote the use of it and will strictly prohibit and eliminate the factors that affect the overpricing of drugs such as, Graft and corruption in government purchases and collusion and price-fixing by pharmaceutical companies with retail outlets and the refusal of pharmaceutical companies to submit their actual cost of production in manufacturing drugs. And thus will put it to its cheapest possible cost because it is the only answer for the crying help of those who cannot afford to buy branded products and will be an immense help for metamorphosing the fate of those who have given up the battle of life.
Pauline Oliva 1Pol2
ReplyDeleteGeneric drugs are those marketed under its chemical name without advertising making it cheaper than those branded.
What makes branded drugs pricey is because of the its “patent”. A patent is given to a pharmaceutical company by the government so that they would have exclusive manufacturing and distributing rights to a particular drug.
In the Philippines, both branded and generic medicines are required to be registered and approved by the DOH, particularly the Bureau of Food and Drugs before they can be sold in the market so I think they are safe to use but one should always make sure that he/she buys only from reputable drugstores and choose generic brands manufactured by legitimate companies.
(..CONT)
ReplyDeleteSince the Philippines belongs to the third world countries, I strongly disagree that generic medicines should be banned in the country for ordinary people cannot always afford to buy branded medicines when in fact, generic drugs can be an effective alternative to those medicines.
The only thing we need do is to have it studied, tested, and distributed to common masses.
I think the Philippine government should have more policies that will ensure the safety of the people through monitoring the formulation and production of these generic drugs.
They should regulate and conduct thorough laboratory tests the effectivity of the generic medicines and if proven so, it should be made available to the ordinary masses.
ENACORPUZ 1POL1
ReplyDeleteThere is no question that generic drugs are beneficial in a third world country such as ours. The issue is that on how the government supports it as part of healthcare program for the people. I do admire that the late President Aquino signed a bill regarding about generic drugs, which is Republic Act 6675 also known as the Generics Act of 1988, clearly states that in terms of manufacturing, distribution, promotion, advertising and dispensing, the generic name must be used so that generic drugs must be available to all at the lowest possible cost.
As of now, the status specification on implementing the rules listed in the act was not implemented at all due to lack of budget that even in purchasing and dispensing drugs wherein generics are to use are not monitored although procurement is strictly implemented through E.O 49 (1993).
Even the medical practitioners are not following the rules regarding drug prescription, this is due poor monitoring. Even the pharmacies and drug outlets are not following the rules regarding availability of options and menu/ list of drugs they sell.
Kristine Faye C. Guarin 1POL3
ReplyDeleteGreetings sir and fellow Political Science Major! Generic Drugs are known for their cheap price and said to give same medication as the branded ones does. I say, why gamble our health with medicines that weren't that proven. If it also do what the branded one does then why is it so cheap? Friends our own safety is more needed to be watched than depriving ourselves with good medicines for they are expensive. There are some other generic drugstores that are acknowledge nowadays like Generica, its affordable and legalized by law to operate such business. Yes you save money but your sickness keep coming back every other day, why not buy once and be free from it forever? Think about it. Its just as spending much for drugs but not at once.
I believe that generic drugs are really beneficial to us especially those who can’t afford the branded ones. Generic drugs are the same with branded drugs, with similar contents and effects but when we talk about the price, generic drugs are a lot cheaper. When it comes to policies and laws regarding generic drugs, I think the government should focus more on monitoring the production of generic drugs. They should know if it went through the right process and where it came from. They should also do something to make the people be more aware about the benefits that we could get in using generic drugs.
ReplyDeleteI believe that generic drugs are really beneficial to us especially those who can’t afford the branded ones. Generic drugs are the same with branded drugs, with similar contents and effects but when we talk about the price, generic drugs are a lot cheaper. When it comes to policies and laws regarding generic drugs, I think the government should focus more on monitoring the production of generic drugs. They should know if it went through the right process and where it came from. They should also do something to make the people be more aware about the benefits that we could get in using generic drugs.
ReplyDeleteABELARDCHAN31POL2
ReplyDeleteThe massive influx of generic drugs is good so it stop increases in the counterfeit drug trade especially the once in developing countries were it represents 30% of the drugs being sold. Many people will fall victim to counterfeit drugs if the states strictly control or prohibits it being sold.A patients condition may get from bad to worst as a result of counterfeit drugs, many unnecessary deaths might occur and others will even ask help from witch doctors. It would be best if our country starts up a medicinal company being funded by private companies and the government with the help of developed countries. It should not be funded by the government alone because of corruption. With are own medicinal company we can sell more cheaper drugs for the poor. If we can produced and develop are own drugs some patents for foreign pharmaceutical companies will not be needed anymore.
Here in our country there is a law passed by the Congress known as the Generics Act of 1988 under this law the GOVERNMENT PROMOTE, REQUIRE AND ENSURE THE PRODUCTION OF AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY, DISTRIBUTION, USE AND ACCEPTANCE OF DRUGS AND MEDICINES IDENTIFIED BY THEIR GENERIC NAMES. With this law, I think our government realized that many Filipinos cannot afford the branded medicines and they prefer the generic drugs which is much more cheaper and have the same effect as the branded one. To avoid and prevent unnecessary deaths it is important to those who were suffering from their diseases to take medicines at least to ease their pain and to avoid the high mortality rate. Pharmaceutical Companies were against this law because they will not gain as high as it was before when this law was not passed and implemented.
ReplyDeleteThey give more importance to the money that their company will gain than the lives of many Filipinos. It would be best if our government will have a private-public partnership with pharmaceutical companies so that our government will be having a quiet control on the prices of medicines where they prioritize those who cannot afford and ensure that the companies will also gain.
ReplyDeleteI think the most important is the agreement between the pharmaceutical companies and our government. They should have the same goal to avoid unnecessary deaths and to lower the mortality rate with the help of branded or generic medicine. They must prioritize those who can't afford. The pharmaceutical companies will benefit but the most benefits will come to the people of the state.
ReplyDeleteJan Patrick GImao 1pol1
ReplyDeleteIn my other perspective, i think that there are some bad effects of generic drugs like:
Bioidentical Effectiveness
The FDA requires that a generic have an effectiveness range of between 80 percent and 125 percent of the effectiveness of the original drug. This means a drug that delivers only 80 percent of the therapeutic punch of the original is acceptable to the FDA. For most drugs, this may not cause problems and you still get the clinical benefit. However, there are a list of drugs that have a very narrow therapeutic window, and substitution with generics should be carefully discussed with your doctor. Generic substitutions are not recommended to replace some drugs, including Levothyroxine (hypothyroidism treatment), Quinidine and Clomidine (cardiovascular drugs), Phenytoin (seizure medication), Warfarin (blod clot prevention) and Theopylline (breathing treatment for asthma).
Continuation:
ReplyDeleteSide Effects from Inactive Ingredients
The FDA doesn't require that manufacturers of generics use the same inert ingredients to compound the drug. Inert or non-active ingredients are important because they determine how the drug is dissolved and delivered to the target organs. So even if the amount of active ingredient is identical in the generic and original drug, the reformulated drug may not be as effective in delivering the same dose. Furthermore, some people may have allergic reactions to different inert ingredients in the generic formulation.
Generics Produced Overseas
We rely on the FDA to oversee manufacturing of new and generic drugs. Increasingly, generic drugs are being manufactured in foreign countries including Mexico, China and India. The FDA doesn't have the resources to adequately perform this watchdog service in foreign countries. The New York Times reported in 2008 that the FDA rarely inspects overseas pharmaceutical manufacturing sites. Tens of thousands of people were exposed to a tainted ingredient in heparin manufactured by a Chinese company that the FDA admits was never inspected before approval of the drug for sale in the U.S. Generics can be as safe and effective as the original drug, but consumers should ask questions about where the drug is made and whether a generic substitution is safe for them.
Gracezhelle Javier 1POL3
ReplyDeleteIn this case, I am definitely against in banning the generic drugs because I can't find a single reason and I can't see any bad effects generic drugs had given to those who already took them. If generic drugs will be banned, what will happen to those people who are in need of medicine? How will they afford to buy the medicine that they need in times that money runs out in their pockets?
For the government who is responsible in deciding whether to ban it or not from us, think of this first, in times of danger and lack of money, how will you save a person who needs to live for his/her family? How can he/she work if there's something wrong with him/her and yet she can't afford the expensive ones [if ever generic drugs will be banned]? Can you give something to the family that person left?
What's the use and sense of banning generic drugs when in fact it's as good as the expensive ones? There's nothing wrong in taking them. Me, as a user of generic drugs, I see no bad effects happening to me. In fact they give me the relief that I'm asking for.
So, to end, generic drugs are the BIG SOLUTIONS to those who really need a relief and who really need to live for their family but has no money to spend for expensive medicines. In a country like Philippines, we can't deny that our economy is not that great, and in reality, we are one of the poorest countries.
I am against in banning of generic drugs when it has the same effect the expensive medicines have.
Thank you and good day!
Gracezhelle Javier 1POL3
ReplyDeleteIf generic drugs are not proven, why will the DOH [Department Of Health] and BFAD [Bureau of Food And Drugs] allow the selling of it on market, and if it is not proven, why are the people still use this if they felt some bad effects to them? It may have a reaction but maybe they are allergic to that kind of medicine. Well, it is not a reason to ban the generic drugs because not everyone can feel the same "bad" effect, but most of us felt its good effect.
John Carlo Pechon 1POL1-Proliferation of generic drugs is normal in a developing country like ours because we are indeed tight with the use of our budget in buying patents of branded drugs. Thus, we created the R.A. 6675 to at least control the increasing numbers of these generic drugs. Also it is created to properly distribute it in the country so that we won’t over produce medicine that is need to be sold in the market. This act also can provide the manufacturer to import raw materials of the drug to other country which is tax-free. However, penalty will be given to those people who will violate this policy.
ReplyDeleteNow, let’s try to think why do generic drugs exist? First of all, generic drugs exist due to developing countries, like the Philippines, can’t afford to buy patent of some drugs which is really expensive. Secondly, generic drugs exist because is cheaper but the same time effective as the branded drugs. Countries like us, where most of people can’t afford to buy medicine, find ways to buy generic drugs. It’s more convenient and affordable to buy generic drug than the branded ones. Thus banning this in our country will greatly affect not only the economic status of our country but also the people who learn to lean in the use of generic drugs. This will make the people to buy herbal medicine instead of generic medicine if this happens. We promote the use of generic drugs but the same time our government also controlled the number of generic drugs produced.
Prime Martin E Ruiz
ReplyDelete1POL2
Generic Drug is identical or equivalent in dosage form, safety, performance characteristics and intended use just like a branded drug. What is the difference between a branded drugs to a generic drugs? Branded drug uses patent for the protection of its investment to the company that developed it. When the patent expires other manufacturers can apply to the Bureau of Food and Drugs or BFAD to sell a generic version of the expired patented drug. BFAD can approved generic drug if it has the passed the following qualifications.
- Contains the same active ingredients
- Be identical in strength, dosage form
- Have the same indication as the branded drug
- Be manufactured under the same strict standard of BFAD’s good manufacturing practice regulations required for innovators product.
There are also many facts and myths about generic drugs:
Myths
- Brand name drugs are safer that generic drug
-False
- Generic drugs cost less because it is inferior to the brand name drug
- False
- People who switched to generics are risking for a treatment failure
- There is no evidence in this claim
Facts
- BFAD requires generic drug to have the same quality and performance as the brand name drugs
- Generic drug works the same as well as branded drugs
- Big difference in price between generics and branded drugs
The Philippines as we know, is a 3rd world country and we are still developing our economy. There is also the republic act called “Generics act of 1988” that ensures the safety of the underprivileged people and it also ensures that the generics in the country are cheap and available to the masses. Given the facts, myths, law and current situation in our country I have to disagree in the banning of the GENERIC DRUG in our country.
Reference:
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/UnderstandingGenericDrugs/ucm144456.htm
http://www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/understandinggenericdrugs/ucm167991.htm
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ReplyDeleteFernandoEreseJr1POL2
ReplyDeleteGeneric drugs are drugs that have the same effect with brand named drugs. Their only difference is that generic drugs are cheaper. In fact, 80% of savings can be made from purchasing generic drugs instead of brand named drugs. Actually, generic drugs are cheaper because the manufacturer didn't have to spend for developing and marketing the drug. A patent is an exclusive right to sell a drug given to the company that developed the drug as long as the patent given is in effect. After the patent expired, manufacturers including other countries can apply for compulsory license which enables them to produce and sell generics of the brand named drug.
Our government should support the proliferation of these drugs, because we can't afford to research and develop drugs. Also, we don't have the capacity or technology in our country, because our technology is in low standards compared to high-tech countries like U.S. Regarding to policies, I think the best policy for our government to adopt is the Mandatory Generic Drugs Substitution of certain states in America (including Latin America). This state law makes generic drugs to be substituted for brand named drugs with or without the patient's consent. It was mentioned earlier that generics have the same effect with the brand named drugs, so I think that it would be safe to use them instead of the more expensive brand named drugs. We can also apply for a compulsory license so we can supply our country with our own manufactured generic drugs.
ReplyDeleteIf I was a policy maker, I would like to propose a law that promotes the use of herbal medicines. These herbal medicines are also good complements or substitutes to generic drugs. For these were even proved to treat diseases such as HIV infection and AIDS. Ironically, I might also propose a law that properly promotes sex. For sexual intercourse has many benefits which includes reduction of prostate cancer risks and fatal heart attacks. This might even be an advantage, for sex is already widespread in our country. If these would be implemented, medical expenses in our country might even be cut into half.
ReplyDeleteNow, this generic drugs must not be banned for they are very essential or they might even be a necessity in our country, considering Philippines is included in the developing world or Third-World countries. These drugs, in relation with the Mandatory Generic Drugs Substitution law, must be strictly examined and controlled before substituting them to the brand named prescription drugs.
ReplyDeleteIf the proliferation of generic drugs will be supported, I think our economy will be better. As I have stated earlier, expenses from medication in our country might even be cut to half. For in fact, 80% of savings is made from purchasing these generic drugs. Complementing generic drugs with herbal medicines, we would have a lesser budget in medicine. With less budget in medicine, the Philippine government can provide bigger budget for the growth of our economy.
ReplyDeleteRegarding to our relationship with other states, I think the use of compulsory license would not be a source of quarrel with other states, especially the developed countries. Unless, our government will become greedy that they will use the compulsory license to make profits by selling them to other countries and not to use the license to supply our country with generic drugs.
ReplyDeleteReferences :
ReplyDeletehttp://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/generic-drugs.shtml
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=46204
http://stateinnovation.org/Events/Event-Listing/PDAM-09/Briefing-Book/Health-Mandatory-Generic-Drugs-for-Medicaid.aspx
http://www.uspharmacist.com/content/s/44/c/9787/
http://oig.hhs.gov/oei/reports/oei-05-05-00360.pdf
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16034917
http://www.medicinenet.com/sexual_health_pictures_slideshow/article.htm
Lisa Marie Garan 1POL2
ReplyDeleteSome people might not agree to support the use of generic drugs, contrary to that, if we view it in the perspective of the ones who are severely in need and are of poor families, they would look at it not as an option but as a need and only hope - their ONE way to survive their difficult lives. Who are we to dictate and prevent people from surviving? Our government has no right to do so, Philippines is practicing a democratic form of government, hence, it is a government of the people, by the people, and FOR THE PEOPLE. Our country is mainly consisted of poor families, thus requiring our government to approve the use of generic drugs to benefit the MAJORITY.
I would like to clarify that the definition of Generic drugs, as clearly stated by Medicinenet.com,are “copies of brand-name drugs that have exactly the same dosage, intended use, effects, side effects, route of administration, risks, safety, and strength as the original drug.” I hope that our government would emphasize this statement, for the reason that generic drugs being cheap are the one commonly misconceived by the people. And I would like to point out that Brand name drugs are more expensive due to the capital that was invested in the patent for their research, process and of course marketing.
ReplyDeleteAnd lastly, though I consider the use of generic drugs, its production should somewhat be controlled by the government, cause it is UNJUST for the person's effort, their time spent, and knowledge, which only few acquires, to put up something that can save millions of lives, to be bought cheaper by those who are wealthy (the people who can afford to buy brand-name drugs but prefer not to; reasons of being a tightwad), I'm trying to imply that without proper management, the “rich becomes richer, and the poor remains poor”. We won't be able to balance our society if this goes on. Let us know that the existence of generic drugs are for the purpose of saving the lives of the less fortunate people.
ReplyDeleteReferences:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Are-Generic-Drugs-Cheaper%3F&id=3620049
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=46204
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteCarol Anne Alonzo, 1POL3
ReplyDeleteIt is a common misbelief that generic drugs take longer time to work. But researchers say that generic drugs work as fast and as effectively as the original branded products. Sometimes, generic medicines have different colors, flavors, and ingredients compared to the branded ones. But this doesn’t make it less effective rather cheaper for the benefit of the poor people in the society. Generic drugs are being produced when multiple companies begins to manufacture and sell a certain drug. The competition among them also drives the price down even further that’s why the prices of generic medicines are much cheaper. Actually, generic drugs are only cheaper because the manufacturers have not had the expenses of developing and marketing a new drug. When a company brings a new drug onto the market, the firm has already spent substantial money on research, development, marketing and promotion of the drug. This is why their target market is those who can’t afford because in the case of our society today, there are more Filipinos who are poor than the well-off.
Carol Anne Alonzo, 1POL3
ReplyDeleteGeneric Drugs for me is very beneficial especially for the less privileged in our society. Some people think that these drugs are not that effective compared to the branded ones. But, what are the real bases for a medicine to be considered better than the other? Some factors of which are the ingredients, the company who produced it and the percentage that will be taken by the government once the product is purchased by the people. The primary reason why a certain medicine costs much than the generic ones is the brand name. A brand name is given to a drug by the manufacturer. The use of this name is reserved exclusively for its owner and his or her company. Like the usual things we buy, we only pay much because of the name. But are we sure that the higher the price of a medicine is, the more effective it can be? Some medicines can be mislabeled by the producers in order for them to gain more profit with regards to its identity and source. But counterfeiting of medicines can be applicable for both generic and branded medicines. Thus, it implies that the effectiveness of the medicines we take does not depend on the brand name and its price. Rather, the quality and the ingredients used in making these drugs matters more. Therefore, I believe that generic drugs should not banned rather be improved so that we could help a lot of people who can’t afford buying branded medicines.
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteJanella M. Quizon 1pol3
ReplyDeleteWe all know that Generic drugs are copies of original drugs, hence their low cost. When it comes to the policies regarding the increasing number of generic drugs are of course not totally banning of this particular medicines but just to conduct an investigation and survey if these really are dangerous. Controlling perhaps, so that it will not blown up to different states. The reason for this is to control and prevent the side effects of these drugs that will turn people to be more ill probably. Somehow, it affects the state there living in. It also affects the economy of a certain country particularly here in the Philippines.
The development follows the passing of the country’s Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act of 2008, and is representative of a general move over the past two years across much of Asia to impose regulation on prescription drugs. Pricing policies in emerging markets are becoming quite a headache for multinational drug firms who are seeking to tap into growth opportunities in developing countries as sales slow in developed countries.
With regards to the relationship of the Philippines to other states, I may say that it can also help perhaps in distributing those generics. They can have an agreement and also be connected with each other.
Reference:
http://viewswire.eiu.com/index.asp?layout=ib3Article&article_id=184661803&pubtypeid=1152462500&rf=0
Angelica Bianca R. Villegas 1pol3
ReplyDeleteI'd like to support the statement of Ms. Carol Alonzo. yes, It's true that people often recognize the word "Generic" in drugs. When people hear the word "generic drugs" their first impression is not effective and quite dangerous to our health. If you're thinking it is, You're wrong. In fact, "Generic Name or Generic Terminology" is the identification of drugs and medicines by their scientifically and internationally recognized active ingredients or by their generic names as determined by the Bureau of Food and Drugs of the Department of Health. It means that it is legal and it is approves by the BFAD and DOH. They used different chemical ingredients and Active ingredients in which the normal drugs have but in a different term. I mean they used cheaper names for the ingredients which it will suit in the buyer of these drugs, the less fortunate. These buyers is the main reason why the government is patiently imports and exports these kind of drug, those in need because now a days those who got sick are those who can't afford drugs which are expensive and they have this so called "BRANDED" in other words those drugs who have names. Another thing, These generic pharmacy offer good consultation from doctors which gives good advice and free.
reference:
http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno6675.htm
I would like to support Ms. Janella Quizon of 1pol3,
ReplyDeletegeneric drugs are as effective as Branded Drugs.
Generic drugs are only cheaper because that the manufacturer
doesnt spend for research, development, marketing and promotion of the drugs.(medecinenet.Inc, 1996-2011)
the Philippines Uses "Parallel imports". This program is to influence multinational drug manufaturers to lower
the cost of the drugs sold in the philippines.
this products are not counterfeit from another country.
there is also Congressional Oversight Committee on RA 9502
which talked about parallel imporataion in the Philippines and issues like the duration of time before the medicine
reaches the Philippines.
Source
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=46204
http://www.mirandah.com/ja/categories/item/73-parallel-imports-and-generic-drugs-in-the-philippines.html
http://funwithgovernment.blogspot.com/2009/05/parallel-importation-and-bfad.html
Ma. Angela Emeterio 1POL2
ReplyDeleteGood evening!
Philippines is a country which has a slow economic development. Let’s face the fact! It is quite hard for the government as well as the people to have the branded medicines. Thus, having generic drugs may lead to some to agree, while others to disagree.
For some, they might not agree with the use of generic drugs. Well, obviously those who manufactured the branded medicines mostly disagree with this. Considering the fact that they are in a business, big possibility is, they will lose income.
On the other hand, some might agree. First, generic drugs are cheaper. For the unfortunate people, it would be a big help for them to have this kind of drugs. Second, the effect is not that far from the branded drug. And most of all, generic drugs make way for the people to reach out medicines for specific diseases.
For me, having generic drugs in our country will really help the people. Considering the fact that our country belongs to third world countries, generic drugs give chances to the patient to acquire the medicines that they need.
Carol Anne Alonzo, 1POL3
ReplyDeleteSome people would say that they experienced allergic reactions after using generic medicines. These side effects were all mild things like headache and upset stomach, and usually went away in a short period of time. But in some cases, this happens for a longer time that’s why they return in purchasing branded medicines. This happens only in sensitive cases that needs a particular drug for medication. Though sensitivity to certain generic drugs does occur, this is rare. The vast majority of people have no problems when switching from a brand name to a generic drug. Even when side effects do occur, like what I’ve said earlier, they are mild. Generics are a safe, effective, and less expensive treatment option for everybody’s use. We shouldn’t be afraid to try one because doctors wouldn’t recommend these kinds of medicines if it will only worsen our health condition. It doesn’t matter how much it costs but how will it help in lessening or even curing our illnesses. So I do believe we also need to be more aware of our health conditions and don't just rely on what other people say because we know ourselves better than anyone else. We know our own limitations that's why we should know whether to stop or not. Our health depends on our own actions. Medicines, whether generic or branded will just help us ease the pain at some point. But it's still our lifestyle that matters most.
http://highbloodpressure.about.com/od/genericdrugs/f/generic-switch.htm
Melasurej Francisco, 1Pol3
ReplyDeleteHow does generic drug differ from those of the branded? – This is the common question raised by people. It is not directly answered by Health Sectors that generic drugs are inefficient or rather useless but then they also didn’t state that it is totally effective as the branded ones. In my opinion the government should still allow the manufacturing of these generic drugs because it is economical and it still works.
CLARISSE MARASIGAN
ReplyDelete1POL3
I would like to agree with the statement of Ms. Kristine Guarin. Yes, branded drugs are more expensive but we are not only paying for the brand, we are talking about the quality and effectiveness of the medicines.
We tend to buy things that are cheap but we all know that the quality is different from expensive ones. Assurance is what we need and we don't get that from generic drugs.
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ReplyDeleteMelasurej Francisco, 1Pol3
ReplyDeleteI would just like to agree with those whose thoughts are in favor of the generic drugs. In my opinion, generic drug is advantageous than branded medicines because it is less costly and it is still functioning, but the problem lies in the period of its effectivity. For example, a particular branded medicine takes effect within five or ten minutes nevertheless the generic drug takes effect for half an hour or an hour. The contents or rather the main ingredients of these generic drugs came also from the foundation of those of the branded medicines so we really don’t need to worry about the effectiveness of these medicines.
In addition to my statement generic drugs LACK some of the ingredients that branded drugs have. Which may delay the recovery of the patient.
ReplyDeleteMark Josep Perez 1POL3
ReplyDeleteGood Evening
I would like to support my co-Political Science students saying that generic drugs are as effective as those branded medicines.
Maybe most people would think that if a product is cheap, its quality may be low and we cannot have the satisfaction after using it. But in medicines, we can say that this concept is wrong. When comparing generic medicines and branded medicines based on its cost, the website MedicineNet.com says “Actually, generic drugs are only cheaper because the manufacturers have not had the expenses of developing and marketing a new drug. When a company brings a new drug onto the market, the firm has already spent substantial money on research, development, marketing and promotion of the drug.”
Another belief is that generic drugs need too much time for its effectiveness. But in my own opinion, this is just another wrong belief. Effectiveness of a medicine is not based on its cost. And for us,consumers, we should widely open our minds on issues like this one.
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ReplyDeleteChloe Taw 1POL3
ReplyDeleteI support the people in this debate that supports generic brand. We live in a third world country so that means not everyone can afford to buy branded medicines. I believe the sole purpose of generic brand is to make it affordable to those people who can't afford it. If you can get a quality medicine in a cheaper price then why not? It has the same effect at the end anyway.
sir nawala ung pinost ko :| ippost ko na lang ulit mamaya :|
ReplyDeleteKAREL JANE SOTTO, 1Pol3
ReplyDeleteGeneric drugs are only copy of a branded medicine but it is safe and strong as the original brand (Stoppler, 2009). In other words, generic drugs are branded drugs without its brand name and manufacturer’s name. As a student, government should not ban generic drugs because this is the only medicines that a poor and not so average standard of living people can afford. It is customer friendly. “Makamasa”.
Karel Jane Sotto, 1Pol3
ReplyDeleteThink about this, if the government will banned generic medicines, isn’t that it is a selfish act for the government not giving emphasis to others who cannot afford branded medicine? We all know that government prioritizes the economic stability of our nation well in fact the least priority is the stagnant health care of the Filipino. I know that it is a difficult task for the government officials to do their work continuously but having alternatives will do it so. Having this kind of situation, the only remedy that will give answer to the problem is the generic drugs. Because based from my observation, there is no problem about generic drugs. Many people and many of us are buying this kind of medicine and as a result? Budget friendly yet effective. It didn’t harm us nor put us to death. If generic medicines are harmful, why there are still many sellers and buyers of it? There’s nothing wrong in generic medicine, so why the government should ban it?
Generic medicines are safe because in the Philippines, both branded and generic medicines are required to be registered and approved by BFAD before they can be sold on the market.
Sources:
http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/fr/d/Jwhozip27e/10.3.html#Jwhozip27e.10.3
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=46204
Eunice Sushmita Baldos 1POL2
ReplyDeletePoverty, as we all know, is the number one problem we are experiencing right now. Our government nowadays are trying to somehow eradicate this problem. They also ensure that all marginalized members of the society are enjoying their rights and privileges. And one of the rights everyone must enjoy is the ‘right of the people to health.’
It is stated in the 1987 Constitution that ‘the State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instil health consciousness among them.’ (Art. II, Sec. 15) And for the betterment of our country, the government should make an enabling law for this. And one of the best ways to make this happen is for the government to provide ‘generic drugs’ for the less fortunate....
Maragay, Dave 1POL3
ReplyDeleteAccording to WHO, a generic drug is a pharmaceutical product, usually intended to be interchangeable with an innovator product, that is manufactured without a licence from the innovator company and marketed after the expiry date of the patent or other exclusive rights.
Generic drugs have similar effect to branded drugs, however some diseases such as HIV-AIDS and Cancer cannot have the same effect compared to the branded ones.
I believe that generic drugs are somehow imitations of branded drugs, the only difference is that it is cheaper.
ReplyDeletePharmaceutical companies invested billions of dollars for the research and improvement of such medicines that makes them the innovator of the certain drug while generic drugs are just imitations of the original.
Not all Filipinos can afford branded drugs, since the Philippines is practicing a mixed kind of economy, the government should restrain certain generic drugs that have different kinds of effects. On the contrary other generic drugs that are not prescribe to diseases such as HIV- AIDS and Cancer shouldn’t be abolished and may still be sold in the market.
Jayson Soriano 1POL2
ReplyDeleteGeneric Drugs are products that are same with branded drugs, in quality, safety and the effectiveness of the product. Filipino’s nowadays buy Generic Drugs for its incredibly low price than the branded one. There is no doubt that Filipino’s would be in to this kind of medicines. Majority of the population of our country is poor or marginalized, and it is obvious that we cannot afford drugs that are really expensive. Proliferations of these drugs are hard to control in the economy, and there is no need to control or ban them for they are nothing but beneficial to the society of the Philippines. Generic drugs are usually sold for lower prices than their branded simply because Pharmaceutical companies spend time and money on research and development of new medicines. Once they are able to come up with one that passes government health tests and standards, the pharmaceutical company will be given rights to manufacture and market the product globally but only for a period of time. This is for them to recover their cost for developing the medicine. After the period of time given to them, the drug can now be manufactured and sold by other companies for lower prices. In my opinion our relationship with other countries involving generic drugs is good, so there is no need for further explanation. I think that Republic Act 9502(AN ACT PROVIDING FOR CHEAPER AND QUALITY MEDICINES, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8293 OR THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CODE, REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6675 OR THE GENERICS ACT OF 1988, AND REPUBLIC ACT NO. 5921 OR THE PHARMACY LAW, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES) is enough to support Generic Drugs in our country. If there are still more policies they want to make, it would also still be great, as long as it’s for the benefit of the citizens of this country.
Roselyn Rosas Ethics- Indeed,here in the philippines, as Brian Doce have said earlier, we do have a an act to promote, require and ensure the production of an adequate supply, distribution, use and acceptance of drugs and medicines identified by their generic names.(http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno6675.html)That is actually what Generic act of 1998 is as Brian Doce didn't able to articulate so. With regards to these act, by considering that philippines is a developing country, indeed our government has an intention to help our fellow 30.6 million Filipinos or 6.12 million families who are saying that they are suffering from poverty.(http://www.txtmania.com/articles/poverty.php) In this case, i do agree that this generic drugs should be strictly implemented and controlled as it does not only ensure the adequate supply of drugs with generic names at the lowest possible cost but also endeavor to make them available for free to indigent patients.
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