Distributive Justice and the Introduction of Generic Medicines

Abstract

Introduction: All countries face theissue of choice in healthcare. Allocation ofhealthcare resources is clearly associated withthe concept of distributive justice and to theexistence of a right to healthcare.Nevertheless, there is still the question ofwhether this right should include all types ofhealthcare services or if it should be limitedto selected types. It follows that choices mustbe made, priorities must be set and thatefficiency of healthcare services should bemaximum.

Objectives and methods: Distributivejustice aims at ensuring that everyone hasaccess to necessary care based on thesubstantive ethical principles of equity andsolidarity. Resource allocation is paramount inpublic policy particularly with regardspharmacoeconomics. The objective of this studyis to determine the leading issues regardingthe marketing and trade of generic medicinesanalysing the reasons why there are hugedisparities between European countries withregards generic drugs acceptance bypractitioners.

Results and conclusion: Distributivejustice aims at ensuring that everyone hasaccess to reasonable care based on the ethicalprinciples of equity and solidarity. However,universality implies always choice in accessand efficiency in delivery. It follows thatresource allocation is instrumental in publicpolicy particularly with regardspharmacoeconomics. The acceptance ofdistributive justice as a new ethical paradigmfor professional ethics implies that as long asthe best interest of the patient is not atstake physicians should regard the use ofgeneric drugs as a valid instrument to promotethe efficiency of the system and therefore as away to facilitate citizen's global access tohealthcare.