Answer: The Generics Act of 1988 (RA 6675)
The correct answer is C: The primary goal of the Generics Act of 1988 (Republic Act 6675) is to promote the use of generic drugs and ensure their accessibility to the Filipino population.
Legislative Intent and Core Objectives
The Philippine Generics Act of 1988 was specifically designed to ensure that affordable and effective drugs are made available to all Filipinos 1. This legislation represents a fundamental public health policy aimed at:
- Expanding access to essential medications by making them available at more accessible costs while maintaining quality standards equivalent to reference drugs 1
- Reducing pharmaceutical costs through increased market competition and generic substitution, which aligns with global evidence showing generic medications can save lives and reduce overall healthcare system costs 2
- Ensuring drug quality through regulatory oversight, though the success of implementation depends heavily on the government's ability to guarantee generic drug quality and disseminate relevant information to healthcare providers 1
Policy Context and Implementation Challenges
The Act generated significant debate among healthcare providers, with approximately 70% of physicians initially opposing it, primarily due to concerns about the Bureau of Food and Drugs' capacity to ensure generic drug quality 1. This resistance mirrors broader patterns seen globally, where physicians and patients harbor suspicions about generic medications despite their proven efficacy and cost-effectiveness 2.
Alignment with Global Generic Drug Policies
The Philippine legislation follows the World Health Organization's promotion of generic drug policies to foster pharmaceutical sector competition, reduce drug prices, and increase access to therapeutic drugs 3. Generic substitution laws have been implemented globally to simplify generic use and improve healthcare affordability 2.