A tribute to the Father of Generic Medicine

MANILA, Philippines - The Ayos na Gamot sa Abot-kayang Presyo (AGAP) Coalition recently led a gathering of health advocates and stakeholders in recognizing the invaluable contribution of Dr. Alfredo R.A. Bengzon, former Secretary of Health, in the generics campaign and access to medicines advocacy. The event with the theme “Isang Pagkilala at Pasasalamat sa Ama ng Generic Medicine” was co-sponsored by the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI), Fair Trade Alliance, among others.  

“When we talk about the success of access to medicines, it is impossible not to give due recognition to Dr. Bengzon who pushed for the National Drug Policy, which upheld the Filipinos’ right to health and strongly advocated the Generics Law,” said AGAP lead convenor Bobby Taada.

RiteMed Ambassadress Susan Roces also thanked Bengzon for his legacy to Filipinos — generic medicines and access to health, which according to her are very important, especially to senior citizens like her. 

“Maraming salamat, Dr. Bengzon. Mahal ka ng mga Pilipino lalong-lalo na ng mga senior citizens na katulad ko, pinagaan mo ang aming buhay (Thank you very much, Dr. Bengzon. The Filipinos love you, especially senior citizens like me, you made our lives easier),” cited Roces.

Dubbed as “Ama ng Generic Medicines” (Father of Generic Medicines), Bengzon was appointed as Health Secretary by former President Cory Aquino in 1986, immediately after which, he and his team drafted a National Drug Policy which was then implemented by the government. The new policy established “the primacy of the public good over private interest in the Philippines” — an otherwise tough goal that was realized by Bengzon.

During his stint, Bengzon changed people’s mindset towards public health. His philosophy centered on his belief that “health is a basic human right.” During his acceptance of the recognition, Bengzon recalled how he fought the “giants” in his bid to provide every Filipino access to healthcare and high quality but affordable medicines.

Overwhelmed by the tribute, Bengzon recalled the hardships he had to contend with when he and his team at the health department pushed for the National Drug Policy and later on the Generic Medicines Law.

“It was a tough battle, but it was all worth it. Then and now, I believe that the right to health, in which medicine is an important item, is a basic human right. I am humbled by this honor and recognition,” said Bengzon, who was the Health Secretary from 1986 until 1992.

“The present journey is towards universal health care, but the successful voyage of Dr. Bengzon’s right to health advocacy, with the campaign for generic medicines, paved the way,” cited Taada.

Besides the plaque of recognition, AGAP also presented Bengzon with an oil painting of Jose Rizal as a physician attending to an ailing man. “We agree with you that health is a basic human right, and today we stand firmly on the ground prepared to face the challenges once again as we work towards the realization of kalusugang pangkalahatan (universal healthcare),” reads the dedication of AGAP on the artwork.