DOH-Ilocos Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco underlines the advantages and importance of taking generic medicines to Barangay Health Workers of Ilocos Sur during the celebration of “Generics Awareness Month” held at the Provincial Farmers Livelihood Development Center on September 21, 2023 in Vigan City.

A RANKING Department of Health official has called on the public to use generic drugs as they are less expensive yet, similarly effective.

The call was made by DOH-Ilocos Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco in her speech during the opening ceremony of the two-day “Generics Awareness Month Celebration” at the Provincial Farmers Livelihood Development Center on September 22, 2023, in Vigan City.

The event was participated by Barangay Health Workers Federation presidents and members of the Drugstore Store Association of the Philippines (DSAP)–Ilocos Sur in Ilocos Sur.

“Ang generic medicines ay mas mura kaysa sa mga branded na gamot at pareho lang sila ng kalidad at bisa. Mas makakatipid kayo sa inyong mga gamot kung ito ang inyong gagamitin. I have been using generic medicine for years now at ako na ang nagsasabi na it is safe, reliable and effective as the branded and expensive ones.”

“Although hindi lahat ng branded na gamot ay may katumbas na generic medicine, dahil ang mga iba ay patent-protected at ito ay mabibili lamang sa mga kompanyang naka-imbento nito and it usually becomes available only after the patent expires gaya ng mga bagong tuklas na mga gamot ngayon laban sa mga bagong sakit,” Sydiongco emphasized.

She also reminded the public to buy generic medicines from FDA-registered drugstores only.

Assistant Regional Director Rodolfo Antonio M. Albornoz also advised BHWs and DSAP members to support the government’s efforts in promoting the use of generic medicines.

“Sa ating mga BHWs, continue to encourage residents in your barangays na bumili at gumamit ng generic drugs para sa kanilang maintenance or para sa treatment ng kanilang mga karamdaman. Sa mga drugstore owners naman, ipagpatuloy ninyo ang pabibigay ng mga dekalidad, ligtas at epektibong generic drugs upang patuloy na matulungan ang ating mga kababayan,” Albornoz added.

The Generic Awareness Month is celebrated to commemorate the 35th year of the passing of the Generics Act of 1988 also known as Republic Act 6675, which promotes the manufacturing of adequate, affordable, and effective generic drugs for Filipinos.

This year’s theme, “Kalusugan ay Palakasin, Generics Ating Tangkilikin,” calls for the public to consider the use of generic medicines in the treatment of ailments as it is safe and have the same efficacy as branded medicines.

Regional Pharmacist, Farida D. Espina, said generic drugs are cheaper because manufacturers do not use unnecessary advertising and promotion including expensive packaging for marketing. “Kaya malayo po na mas mura ang kanilang presyo dahil dito.”

“Pero sa kalidad at bisa ay pareho lang sila and most important is that generic drugs and medicines have passed through the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) safety standards at ang mga ito ay mayroong Certificate of Product Registration kaya ito ay ligtas at mabisang gamiting gamot,” Farida added.

FDA permits and certifications must be posted by drugstores in a particular place where they can be readily and easily seen by the public.

If in doubt of the drugstore’s certificate and License to Operate, consumers can verify their permits online through the http://bit.ly/FDAVerificationPortal.

The DOH regional office also assured the public that the generic drugs that they provide to the public are safe. (ai/mnm)