The General Assembly of the Republic has decided to dedicate July 8 as the “National Day of Generic Medicines”.
The decision, dated June 28, on the proposal of the Socialist Party, is related to the fact that July 8, 1992 marks the start of the commercialization of the first generic medicines on the Portuguese market.
Generic drugs are “drugs having the same active substance, pharmaceutical form and dosage and therapeutic indication as the original drug, and whose quality and efficacy are guaranteed,” according to a statement sent to the editorial board, noting that this one of the essential elements in the health of the Portuguese from the National Health Service.
About 44% of the drug packs sold in Portugal in 2022 were generic drugs. According to the statement, the price per package of a generic drug was on average 58% lower than the price of the original drug.
The Portuguese generic drug industry exports about 625 million euros annually.
“It is in this context that, pointing out the need for more information, recognizes the benefits of encouraging preference for these medicines, highlights the individual economic benefits to citizens and the country, and educates consumers about their rights when purchasing medicines that the General Assembly of the Republic decides, under the terms of paragraph 5 of Article 166 of the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic, to inaugurate July 8 as the National Day of Generic Medicines.
Source: DN
