Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1899)
The policy of the State under RA No. 6675 is to encourage the extensive use of drugs with generic names through a rational system of procurement and distribution.
Generic Name or Generic Terminology is defined as the identification of drugs and medicines by their scientifically and internationally recognized active ingredients or by their official generic name as determined by the Bureau of Food and Drugs of the DOH.
This Order applies to all DOH facilities, which include Retained and Special Hospitals, Centers for Health Development, Services, Bureaus, Offices and Medical Centers, Sanitaria, and all other units administratively and operationally under DOH control.
All DOH facilities and their personnel shall use only generic names or terminology in all transactions related to procurement, prescribing, dispensing, and administering of drugs and medicines, excluding the use of brand names.
No, the corresponding brand names of the drugs prescribed or ordered shall no longer be specified; the exclusive use of generic names is mandated.
The Heads of DOH facilities, such as Chiefs of Hospitals and Centers for Health Development Directors, act as the Head National Drug Policy Compliance Officers for their respective units.
Members and officers of the Therapeutics Committee serve as National Drug Policy Compliance Officers, providing staff work for routine and monitoring activities related to generic drug use, reporting directly to the Head National Drug Policy Compliance Officer.
Non-compliance shall be elevated to the Office of the Undersecretary, Project Executive Officer, Pharmaceutical Management Unit, and corresponding sanctions will be imposed in accordance with RA 6675 and other applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
The GMA-50 Help Desk assists the public by providing access to low-cost essential drugs in stock, information on drug availability through referrals, rational drug use education, and receives public complaints related to drugs.
DOH facilities must submit quarterly reports every three months (second week of April, July, October, and January) to the Office of the Undersecretary, Project Executive Officer, Pharmaceutical Management Unit.