The market share of generic medicines by volume in 2008 was more than 56%, representing less than 15% in value [1]. However, generic presence could still be improved, and the following are some ideas that could help to increase the generic market share in The Netherlands:

Recommendations

• Ban discounting in favour of a system where generic medicines compete with each other on price [2].
• Augment fixed dispensing fee to compensate pharmacists for their losses due to the ban on discounting [2].
• Encourage prescribing by international non-proprietary name (INN), including electronic prescribing systems, incentive schemes, prescribing guidelines and formularies [2].
• Teach students at medical school to prescribe by INN.
• Introduce incentives for patients to demand generic medicines [2].
• A mature generic market is one where generics have been on the market for more than 10 years and where the market share of generics exceeds 40% [2].

* A mature generic market is one where generics have been on the market for more than 10 years and where the market share of generics exceeds 40% [2].

References

1. Bond van de Generieke Geneesmiddelenindustrie Nederland (Bogin), Information in English [page on the Internet]. The Hague, The Netherlands, Bogin [cited 2011 May 13]. Available from: www.bogin.nl/english

2. Simoens S, De Coster S. Sustaining Generic Medicines Markets in Europe. April 2006. [monograph on the Internet]. Brussels, Belgium, European Generic Medicines Association (EGA) [cited 2011 May 13]. Available from:www.egagenerics.com/doc/simoens-report_2006-04.pdf