One of the basic provisions of any health care system is the provision of quality health care services to beneficiaries, including unimpeded access to health care.
Through the Health Insurance Agency's Pharmaceutical Products Catalogue (PDC), beneficiaries and providers have access to hundreds of pharmaceutical products that meet the needs of the majority of all patients, with the list being evaluated and enriched by the Health Insurance Agency on an ongoing basis.
In addition to the originator products, the SHI system of the GHS has - in most cases - the corresponding generic or generic drugs, as is the case in all developed health care systems worldwide.
Generics ("generics" or "generic drugs") are drugs that are identical to approved drugs already on the market and have comparable to identical dosage, efficacy, quality and route of administration characteristics as the originator drugs. In fact, they contain the same active pharmaceutical/therapeutic substance or combination of active substances as the originator medicinal products and their price is generally much lower than the price of the originator products.
By choosing generic formulations through the GHS, we are essentially securing drugs with the same active substance or combination of active substances of the corresponding originator, paying either a lower Contribution II or none at all.
Generic drugs are substantially similar to originator drugs
In Cyprus, compared to other developed countries, the use of generic or generic formulations is significantly lower. One of the main reasons for this is stereotypes in perceptions as well as the prevailing myth of reduced efficacy. This is a completely unfounded claim, as generic medicines are essentially identical to originals and are placed on the market after the patent or 'patency certificate' of the original medicine has expired.
Generic medicines are subject to the same strict manufacturing and import controls and marketing authorisation as originals, while being equally safe and effective. Each pharmaceutical product - whether original or generic - is constantly monitored and evaluated according to protocols for the occurrence of adverse reactions.
Generic medicines are therefore considered therapeutically equivalent and interchangeable with their originator. The Pharmaceutical Products List (PPL) of the GMP includes only licensed drugs whose quality, safety and efficacy have been scientifically established.
Ask about your alternatives
The Health Insurance Agency, as part of its efforts to educate beneficiaries and health care workers about the culture change around the use of generic medicines, continuously informs beneficiaries through publications and newsletters about the possibilities and options they have within the System. Each beneficiary, always in consultation with his/her doctor and pharmacist, must have a role and a say in the choice of his/her medication in relation to the final formulation obtained from the pharmacy.
The GHS Expanded Pharmaceutical Products Catalogue (EPC) covers a wide range of products from originator and generic medicines, with beneficiaries having direct access to it through the GHS website (https:/bit.ly/3lri7T6). The individual Personal or Specialist Physician or pharmacist must inform the beneficiary of his or her options, particularly those that require the payment of Contribution II, an additional amount of money by the beneficiary
Consequently, beneficiaries have the right to request and be informed of their respective generic alternatives. In those cases where this option is provided, beneficiaries can choose the cheapest formulation without doubting its quality and efficacy. It is important for beneficiaries to know that, if they request it, pharmacists have the right to change the prescribed original formulation with a generic equivalent.
The Health Insurance Agency is constantly promoting education and culture-building for beneficiaries and providers so that everyone understands the importance of using generic medicines, the backbone of health systems across Europe. The penetration of generic medicines in the Cypriot market is based on the proper information of all stakeholders.
The use of generic medicines is now a common practice in all modern health systems in developed countries, as its value has now been established on the basis of scientific evidence. The benefit is undeniable, both for the System and for the beneficiaries. On the one hand, the System saves resources, which it can allocate to the inclusion of new pharmaceutical products and to meeting the ever-increasing needs of the health sector. On the other hand, the choice of generic medicines for beneficiaries has an additional significant financial benefit, as it reduces the costs borne by the beneficiary for health issues.
Finally, it should be underlined that for most conditions there is a generic medicine that is fully covered by the GHS. Therefore, in this case, there is no need to pay Contribution II.
(AF/SX)
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Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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