National Nutrition Council – MIMAROPA supports the celebration of Generics Awareness Month this September with the theme: "Paigtingin ang Suplay, Generics gawing abot kamay!"
The celebration is to commemorate the enactment of the Republic Act No. 6675 or the Generics Act signed on 13 September 1988, marking its 33rd year.
The law is legislated to “promote, require and ensure the production of an adequate supply, distribution, use and acceptance of drugs and medicines are identified by their generic names.”
According to the law, the generic terminology of drugs shall be used by all government agencies and its personnel in all transactions from purchase to administration. It also covers all medical, dental, and veterinary practitioners to write prescriptions in their generic names but may have the option to include the brand.
Generic names should also prominently appear in the packaging or product labels and advertising materials.
Since it further aims to raise public awareness on generic drugs as affordable, safe and quality medicines, drug outlets should also inform buyers about other drug products having the same generic name, together with their corresponding prices so that the buyers may adequately exercise their option as based on the law.
The Department of Health as the lead agency for continuous information campaign for the public has prepared programs and information materials this Generics Awareness Month to further expand the knowledge about generic drugs which are available via their Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/OfficialDOHgov).
Written by: NO II Bianca Estrella
References:
Republic Act 6675: Generics Act of 1988. (1988). Retrieved from: https://pcw.gov.ph/republic-act-6675-generics-act-of-1988/
Generics Month Celebration. (2021) retrieved from: https://web.facebook.com/OfficialDOHgov/posts/4745941152083766
