Malaysia implements generic drugs policy at government hospitals

KOTA BAHARU: The Health Ministry has implemented a generic drugs policy as replacement for original medicine or patented drugs at government hospitals nationwide.
Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said intellectual rights for ten original
medicines will expire soon and the ministry wish to replace them with generic
drugs from local manufacturers.

"It was implemented since the government introduced National Key Result
Areas (NKRA) to promote the local medicine industry. The use of generic drugs
were implemented by foreign countries as they are cheaper than patented drugs,"
he told reporters at Kelantan MCA Convention here yesterday.
The convention opened by MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek was also
attended by vice-president Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen.

Malaysia provides medical subsidies to 27mil people by imposing a RM1
minimum fee per treatment at government hospitals and clinics nationwide.
Liow said normally patented drugs have patent rights p of five to 20 years
and the government use of generic drugs will help government save cost of
medical supplies.

Generic drugs must undergo the "Bio-equivalent test" and use the products
on humans in trial tests.

He said the ministry will also limit medication prescription to patients
from three months to one month as a cost cutting measure.

Liow said another cardiologist and anesthetist will be posted to Raja
Perempuan Zainab II Hospital (HRPZ) to ensure more effective treatment of heart
diseases.

"HRPZ only has one cardiologist to serve the many patients waiting for
treatment. For the long term we will provide specialist and a cardiothoracic
specialist on permanent basis." -- Bernama


SUMBER : New Straits Times Online