Congress urged to review Generics Act

MANILA, Philippines - A lawmaker urged Congress yesterday to review the Generics Act of 1988 as prices of medicine remain high for most Filipinos 24 years after its enactment.

Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano said Republic Act 6675, the Generics Act of 1988, was meant to ensure the adequate supply of medicine at the lowest possible cost.

“Generic and branded medicine in India and Pakistan are cheaper than those being sold in the Philippines” he said, noting that medicine in the Philippines are more expensive compared to other countries.

“There is a need to review the law and adopt certain measures that will serve the interest of the people,” he said.

Albano said RA 6675 aims to promote, require and ensure the production of adequate supply, distribution, use and acceptance of drugs identified by their generic names.

The cheapest generic drugs are still sold several times higher than those of international reference prices, he added.

Albano said a branded drug for high blood pressure  is being sold in the Philippines for P45 but in India, the cost is equivalent to P5.

A medicine to ease stomach cramps is priced at P15.83 per tablet in the Philippines and P1.92 in India, he added.