The Philippine drug industry and the national drug policy: an appraisal
Date
1988-09
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Drugs and pharmaceuticals are vital to- the health of the people. They have great medical and economic effects on the poor majority. Problems in the provision of drugs include high prices, weak quality control, inequitable distribution, and fragmentation of market.
The industry itself is characterized by a small manufacturing sector, heavy dependence on imports, little local participation and dominance of multinationals, strong market powers due to concentration, and nil research activities.
The government is enacting a national drug policy which aims to reduce prices through the mandatory use of terminology on all drugs and pharmaceuticals. Through importation, manufacture and distribution controls, it hopes to establish a self-sufficient local drug industry that responsive to the needs of the people.
There are conditions that the policy should meet if it is to succeed. These are the competence of the people tasked to implement it, a local research component, re-education of health professionals and workers, a well- informed consuming public, existence of support programs and a strong political will of the government .
Description
Keywords
Drug industry, Drug policy, Drug regulation, Public health, Drug safety