[e-drug] Medical doctors & belief in brand names (10)

["BONFACE FUNDAFUNDA" <bcfunda@hotmail.com>]

E-DRUG: Medical doctors & belief in brand names (10)
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Dear colleagues,

This  is  an interesting discussion which goes back a number of years. The  fact that we discuss it today shows that little has been achieved in changing the attitude, behaviour and positions in this respect. One or two things can be done to change the 'belief'. For example, education can be used as an avenue to address the 'belief': the difference between 'patent product' and a 'generic product' needs to be addressed objectively, and the education process can help in that. Another approach is health policy. At the end of the day, a doctor is not an independent unit who can decide what to provide to a patient (of course in the very long past that was the case!). There is national guidance in that process. Many countries suffer from a lack of clear policy on pharmaceutical products, specifically in the use of brands and  generics (the Netherlands' decision is a case in point).

There may be 'National Formulary' committee or similar bodies, but an    assessment of their guidelines often shows no reference to a national    position on patents and generics. It is often left to pharmacists in the system to advocate one way or the  other. Once that can be addressed  objectively, practitioners (prescribers and pharmacists alike) will be  properly guided in addressing  and using forms of pharmaceutical products. In Zambia, we are following that approach.

   Regards,

   Bonface Fundafunda
   Drug Supply Budget Liine,
   Ministry of Health,
   Lusaka,
   Zambia
bcfunda@hotmail.com