Friday, February 01, 2008

AMS Supports Cheaper Medicine Bill Opposes Amendments to Generics Law


Dr. Emmett L. Custodio and Dr. Cynthia Dela Cruz both former President of the AMS discussing to the members of the tri-media why they object to the proposed amendments in the Generics Law.

The Aklan Medical Society (AMS) a component society of the Philippine Medical Association, Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines strongly supports the opposition to the provision that prohibits physicians from stating brand name in the prescription for their patients. Their statement released to the press follows:
WE, THE PHYSICIANS OF THE PHILIPPINES, FULLY SUPPORT CHEAPER MEDICINES AND THE GENERICS ACT OF 1988 (R.A. 6675)
Cheaper Medicines allow patients to buy the full course of their treatment. However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), many “countries of Asia have areas where more than 30 percent of the medicines on sale can be counterfeit.” As physicians, we have to ensure that the medicines we give to our patients are effective and safe.
The Generics Act of 1988 has been lauded as an effective tool for providing cheaper, effective and safe medicines. Sad to say, we note that the Act has not been fully implemented because of an inadequate regulatory environment and lack of resources. The problem is not the Generics Act; the problem is the lack of political will to implement it. There is no need to change or amend this Act, (but fully implement it).
We are concerned that the proposed amendments to the existing Generics Act found in the House of Representatives version of the Cheaper Medicines Bill might erase measures designed to ensure patient safety. Disallowing doctors from making suggestions on the type of medicines that patients should take based upon their clinical judgment and experience might endanger patients’ lives. This amendment shifts the final choice of the patients’ medicines to the drugstore salespersons who lack the knowledge and training of a doctor and transfers accountability to them. Only physicians are accountable legally, morally and ethically for the success or failure of their patient’s treatment.
Our concern is foremost the patient’s welfare and safety. /MP

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