South African patient’s acceptance of generic drugs Varsha Bangalee.

University of KwaZulu Natal, Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Introduction
Access to therapeutic drugs form an integral part of  any successful healthcare system. The high cost of  drugs, however, remains a barrier to accessibility and  improved health to the majority of the South African population . The promotion of generic drug consumption could potentially be an important cost-saving  mechanism in this regard for final consumers, insurance  providers, and government. In 2001, the South African  government subsequently passed the law which allows generic substitution of branded medicines with  generics, provided that the patient approves of the  substitution.

In the discussion over the use of generic  drugs, patient perceptions have often been neglected. Currently very little knowledge exists on the perception and attitudes of South African citizens with  regard to the use of generic drugs. An appraisal of  the available literature suggests that although patients  do not completely have a negative opinion of generic  drugs and acceptance is growing, there still exists room
for improving perceptions.