Doctors Prescribing Branded Medicines Only Raises Questions
A viewer recently shared her worry after her mother returned from a routine check-up with a prescription for costly branded medicines. The family, struggling financially, hoped to ask the doctor for a generic alternative instead. Yet, the doctor’s firm stance on prescribing branded drugs sparked surprise and confusion.
In the popular segment “Tanong ng Pilipino” on ‘CIA with BA,’ Bianca from Antipolo, Rizal, voiced her concern about doctors prescribing branded medicines exclusively. She said, “Alam kong mahal ‘yung branded na gamot kaya sinabihan ko siyang itanong kung pwede bang generic na lamang ang ilagay sa reseta.” (I know branded medicine is expensive, so I told him to ask if it was possible to just put a generic on the prescription.)
However, the doctor insisted that only branded medicines be prescribed. This led Bianca to question, “Tama po ba ito? Paano naman po ‘yung mga walang pambili tulad ng nanay ko?” (Is this right? What about those who have nothing to buy like my mother?)
Legal Experts Clarify Prescription Rules
Atty. Matt Cesa, a legal expert on the program, clarified that doctors should not limit prescriptions to branded medicines only. He explained, “To answer your question, no. Hindi naman [dapat] na wala silang choice.”
He added that under the Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act, doctors are required to write the generic name when prescribing medicines. “Actually, under the Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act, required ‘yung mga doctor na kapag nagpre-prescribe [ng mga gamot] na isulat ‘yung generic na pangalan ng gamot,” Cesa said.
Effectiveness of Generic vs. Branded Medicines
Cesa emphasized that both branded and generic medicines are equally effective since they undergo the same quality and safety tests. “Ang pinagmulan naman kasi nito, whether generic ka or branded, same lang naman na epektibo ‘yung gamot dahil dumadaan naman ito sa tests na nag-eensure na quality siya at pasok siya,” he explained.
He further stressed, “Hindi dapat na branded lang. Dapat ilagay ‘yung generic name. Optional lang kung gusto ng doktor ‘yung brand na gusto niya.”
Program Advocates for Affordable Healthcare
Led by prominent public figures, the program ‘CIA with BA’ continues to promote awareness on health and legal rights related to medicine accessibility. It underscores the importance of generic medicines as affordable alternatives without compromising quality.
For more news and updates on affordable healthcare, visit Filipinokami.com.