CHEAPER MEDICINES: A PRESCRIPTION FOR PRACTICAL REFORM

CHEAPER MEDICINES: A PRESCRIPTION FOR PRACTICAL REFORM

When we talk about the rising cost of living, one area that continues to burden Filipino families is the price of medicines. And yet, the solution has been in front of us for decades now: generic drugs. These are not just cheaper alternatives—they are, by law and by science, just as effective as the branded versions.

According to my sources, a generic medicine is “a medication that has the same active ingredients, strength, dosage form, and route of administration as a brand-name drug. It is considered bioequivalent to the brand-name drug, meaning it works in the same way and provides the same clinical benefit.” In short, same medicines, different name—and much lower prices.

The only real difference is branding, and unfortunately, that’s where things get complicated. Many Filipinos still believe that only branded medicines work, because that’s all they know. Most consumers are not familiar with the manufacturers behind generic products, even if some of these companies have outstanding reputations here and abroad.

If only people were aware that many of these generics are manufactured by trusted pharmaceutical companies, they might not hesitate to make the switch. But people go by brand recall and trust marketing more than pharmacological data. That’s not ignorance—it’s just the lack of accessible, understandable information.

What can be done about this? For one, the Department of Health (DOH) and related agencies could publish and regularly update a “consumer guide” or a “whitelist” of generic medicines—those that have proven effective through years of use, even if they're not backed by flashy advertising. These so-called “branded generics,” a term doctors and pharmacists often use, are known for their reliability and affordability, even if they don’t carry the prestige of multinational names.

Now, some might say that the DOH endorsing specific products would be unethical or even illegal. But isn’t it more unethical to let millions of Filipinos overspend—or worse, go without medicine—because they don’t know which alternatives are safe and affordable?

Here’s another problem I want to raise, that even when there are free medicines available—whether from the DOH, local government units (LGUs), the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), or even from the offices of Senators and Congressmen—many of our needy kababayans simply don’t know where to go or how to apply for these.

Some of these agencies might post their available stock online, but let’s face it—how many indigent Filipinos have reliable internet access? What good is a medicine inventory if the people who need it can’t even read about it?

Perhaps the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) or even the DILG can step in here. We need a simple, nationwide system, possibly even SMS-based, where people can check medicine availability in nearby centers or clinics. We’ve digitalized cash aid during the pandemic—why not do the same for life-saving drugs?

And here's another idea I’ve been thinking about: what if we helped cooperatives become active participants in the medicine supply chain?

If the government could assist coops in sourcing both generic and branded medicines at wholesale prices, we could drive costs down even more. Coop members could buy medicine at affordable rates, and they could earn dividends or rebates—which makes healthcare not just a need but a community investment. Better still, if a coop sells ineffective medicine, the members can hold their own management accountable, and that strengthens trust.

In this cooperative model, we would empower communities, give them access to affordable healthcare, and encourage economic participation at the grassroots. It’s not charity—it’s sustainable development.

I know the government can’t do everything at once. But sometimes, the solutions don’t require billions of pesos in new spending—they just need better coordination, clearer information, and political will. We already have the generic medicines. We already have the laws. We already have the agencies. What we need now is to connect the dots and bring this down to where the people are.

Let’s make sure that no Filipino ever has to choose between buying medicine and buying food. Affordable, accessible healthcare shouldn’t be a privilege—it should be a right.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

08-09-2025