Why not use more of generic versions of off-patent drugs?

In the debate about reducing medical costs, one should not ignore the cost of drugs (“Regulate supply side of healthcare services”; Oct 19).

For some reason, Singapore continues to use branded versions, even for drugs long off-patent, versus generic versions used in many countries. This practice adds to medical costs here.

Over the past decade, developed countries have made efforts to rein in the cost of drugs. About 80 per cent of drugs dispensed in the United States are generics. The cost difference can be significant.

For example, the antihistamine Zyrtec costs around S$11 for 10 tablets here. The equivalent cost for its generic version works out at around S$2 in the US.

Similarly, generic versions of frequently used drugs, such as Lipitor, Plavix or various antibiotics, for chronic diseases are available at a fraction of the cost of the original version.

The generics are from numerous American, Canadian, Indian and Israeli manufacturers, and have been cleared by regulators such as the US Food and Drug Administration and the United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.

Why does Singapore not use more of these versions of off-patent drugs?