MANILA—In an effort to increase access to affordable medications, Agri Party-list Representative Wilbert Lee has advocated for stricter enforcement of the laws governing the cost and availability of generic drugs in the Philippines, aligning with the observance of Generics Awareness Month.
According to Philippines News Agency, the resolution filed in the House seeks to scrutinize the effectiveness of Republic Act No. 9502, known as the Cheaper Medicines Act of 2008, and RA 6675, the Generics Act of 1988. He emphasized the ongoing challenges in public understanding and trust towards generic medications, referencing a 2014 study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies. The study indicated significant misconceptions about generics, noting that only 7% of respondents could accurately define a generic drug, while nearly half doubted their efficacy compared to branded counterparts.
Lee highlighted the persistent misperceptions about generic drugs’ quality and efficacy, suggesting a more proactive approach by various governmental bodies including the Department of Health, the Department of Education, the Philippine Information Agency, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government. He called for continuous educational campaigns and information dissemination to both the public and medical professionals to rectify these misconceptions.
Further addressing the affordability issues, Lee welcomed the recent move by the Bureau of Internal Revenue which issued Memorandum Circular No. 93-2024, exempting 15 essential medications used for treating conditions such as cancer, high cholesterol, hypertension, and mental illnesses from the value-added tax. He stressed the importance of legislative oversight to ensure that the laws intended to make medicines more affordable are fully implemented and effective.