Implementation of Generic Medicine Framework in KSA Can Save SR10 BN Annually

Implementation of Generic Medicine Framework in KSA Can Save SR10 BN Annually

Implementation of Generic Medicine Framework in KSA Can Save SR10 BN Annually

A new report released by Bupa Arabia for Cooperative Insurance says the implementation of a generic medicine framework (legislation) in Saudi Arabia can result in an estimated decrease of 35%-40%, equivalent to SR10 billion, in medication spending annually.

The whitepaper is considered to be the first-of-its-kind to explore generic medicine legislations in the Kingdom.

Dr. Ayman Al-Sulaimani, Medical Director at Bupa Arabia, said there's an existing policy in favor of generic medicine in Saudi Arabia, however, it lacks enforcement due to the non-availability of generic medicine at the desired level of quality and price even though healthcare continues to be a top priority for the government in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who announced several initiatives to improve healthcare services as part of Vision 2030.

National Industry

"Today, only 30% of pharmaceuticals are manufactured locally,“ added Dr. Al-Sulaimani. "Introducing a generic medicine framework (legislation) can boost local manufacturing of drugs, which not only provides employment opportunities for Saudis but also reduces the medication cost burden in the country.“

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a 'generic drug“Ž' or 'generic medicine' as: A pharmaceutical product usually intended to be interchangeable with the originator brand product,