Evaluating Generics: What Outcomes Will Expanding this Sector Bring?

President of Human and Prisoner Rights Protection, Giorgi Lagidze, evaluated increasing prices on Georgia’s pharmaceutical market.

“When we talk about drugs, first of all we need to mention the drastically increased prices on the Georgian pharmaceutical market, especially in terms of the currency devaluation. In spite of the fact that the Georgian currency is becoming more stable, prices on medicines remain high,” he said.

High prices on drugs is an actual and significant issue for Georgian people. As a result, the Government of Georgia recently announced the introduction of Generic drugs, which will relieve the situation. The Ministry of Health aims to encouraging to the population to build trust toward Generics.

“The world is showing preference for Generics, because Generic medicines have the same active ingredients as brand name medicines,” Lagidze said. “They have the same effects as brand name drugs but they may be a different color, shape, or size. What’s more, they are less expensive than brand name drugs. I think that the solution to expensive drugs is the introduction and expansion of Generic drugs, but at the same time we must tighten quality control.”