The Department of Health and health and beauty retailer Watsons Philippines have joined forces to promote the use of generic medicines, coinciding with the Generics Awareness Month celebrated in the country every September.

In a press conference last Wednesday in Watson's biggest branch at SM North EDSA, Dr. Constante "JJ" Caluya III of the DOH maintained that the government stands behind the promotion of generic medicines.

"They provide accessible and cost-effective alternatives without compromising quality. This initiative aligns with our mission to ensure affordable healthcare for all Filipinos," Caluya III told reporters.

The month of September is known as "Generics Awareness Month", celebrating the enactment of the Generics Act of 1988 or Republic Act No. 6675 which guarantees all Filipinos affordable and effective medications.

The 2008 Cheaper Medicines Act amended the Generics Act to require pharmaceutical companies to make generic drugs widely available.

By requiring doctors to include both generic and brand names on prescriptions, the law promotes low-cost, high-quality alternatives to branded drugs.

More than a hundred generic brands

As aligned with the DOH's advocacy for the use of generic medicines, Belle Pesayco, trading health consultant of Watsons, said they provide more than a hundred high-quality generic brands at affordable prices, allowing customers to save up to 80 percent on prescription costs.

Additionally, she said customers can enjoy up to 30 percent off when they purchase 30 pieces of Watsons' generics through the "Comply and Save" program.

Meanwhile, Bless Espin, Watsons GOBE health controller, stressed that since its inception in 2014, the Watsons Brand Health Portfolio has significantly expanded over almost a decade, offering a wide array of branded generic medicines, including vitamins, supplements, prescription medicines for all age groups, cold and flu remedies, pain relief, digestive health, skin care, allergy medications, and more.

All Watsons' products undergo rigorous testing and adhere to European quality standards, she said.

During the discussion, Pesayco said Watsons places a high emphasis on ensuring top-notch quality for their generic medicines by undergoing the 5-Step Quality Check, including the meticulous assessment of suppliers, involving both technical and third-party audits to evaluate standards, safety protocols, and operational practices.

She said the thorough evaluation includes compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices and social audits covering working conditions and environmental compliance.

Further, she said Watsons ensures that its supplier partners' products have been duly registered with the Food and Drug Administration, ensuring paramount safety, efficacy, and overall quality.

"During the manufacturing phase, Watsons mandates their suppliers to adhere strictly to approved specifications, a process further reinforced by Certificates of Analysis. This guarantees unwavering consistency in product components and quality. Prior to delivery, products undergo a comprehensive pre-delivery inspection to ensure they meet stringent packaging and integrity standards. Even after the market launch, Watsons' strong commitment to quality remains consistent through Post Marketing Surveillance, which includes vital microbial limit and heavy metal tests," Pesayco explained.

"As Watsons Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to helping customers look good, do good, and feel great, we are dedicated to setting new standards in the health, wellness, and beauty market. This entails offering market-leading products, as well as providing affordable, high-quality, and diverse generic medicine options. Additionally, we aim to pioneer innovative healthcare delivery through initiatives such as the Watsons Health Clinic, Vaccination Services, and Consultation," Espin concluded.