Overview of the Philippine Drug Industry

Questions and Answers

What is considered a fundamental aspect of the government's role in the biopharmaceutical sector?

To coordinate with other sectors to determine health policies (correct)

To regulate drug pricing to maximize profits for companies

To promote only private healthcare initiatives

To work in isolation from other health sectors

Which of the following perspectives is NOT traditionally associated with health in the public sector?

Health as a universal right

Health as a profitable industry (correct)

Health as a governmental responsibility

Health as a coordinated effort among agencies

Which value proposition is essential for navigating the health and biopharmaceutical sector?

Promoting individual over communal health

Focusing solely on financial gain

Understanding various interconnected perspectives (correct)

Minimizing the role of public health policies

What is one characteristic of a transparent healthcare system?

Clear accountability and open processes Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the role of health resource professionals?

They interact with various sectors to enhance health outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant barrier to the biopharmaceutical industry in the Philippines?

Regulatory complexities faced by drug companies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following biopharmaceutical products is commonly imported before being manufactured locally in the Philippines?

Paracetamol for headaches Signup and view all the answers

Why is the health product trade minimal in the Philippines?

Insufficient manufacturing infrastructure Signup and view all the answers

What is a reason that discourages companies from innovating and manufacturing drugs in the Philippines?

Daunting technology and science required for drug development Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the few biopharmaceutical products made locally in the Philippines?

Syrups with imported active ingredients Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ensuring Safe and Effective Medicine Supply

Consolidating demand allows the Department of Health (DOH) to purchase medications in bulk, lowering costs compared to individual procurement by hospitals and clinics.
Savings from bulk purchasing can fund additional drugs needed for health programs.

Flow of Funds

Understanding fund movement from government to health recipients is crucial for ensuring consistent medicine supply.

Philippine Biopharmaceutical Industry

The biopharmaceutical industry in the Philippines faces challenges in drug production, particularly in exporting products.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) are not actively manufactured within the country, leading to reliance on imports.
Minimal health product trade exists, impacting the local pharmaceutical landscape.

Drug Market Realities

Local production examples include:
- Biogesic (paracetamol) is imported as an API and locally manufactured into tablets.
- COVID-19 prophylactic drugs like co-amoxiclav and azithromycin are imported and produced into local capsules/tablets.
Limited local manufacturing capabilities for active ingredients leads to a dependency on foreign sources.

Regulatory Challenges

The drug approval process is complex, including numerous regulatory hurdles that discourage innovation and local manufacturing.
The significant investment required in resources, technology, and navigating regulatory frameworks presents obstacles to biopharmaceutical development in the Philippines.

Collaborative Governance

The government coordinates with various sectors to shape drug-related laws and policies.
A transparent and accountable system is vital for effective distribution and regulation within the health sector.

Description

Explore the complex landscape of the Philippine drug industry, focusing on the reliance on imports for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and the pivotal role of government in regulation. Discover the challenges local manufacturers face in drug production amid stringent biotechnology standards.