Generic drugs in the Middle East: A case study in Sulaimani City, Iraq

Abstract

In the less developed countries, most people do not have sufficient access to essential medicines. Generic medicines play an important role in increasing access to essential medical products, since they can be 20–90% cheaper than their branded equivalents. Generic medicines are therefore a key element to consider in many countries’ health policies and systems. The increasing global and regional demand for generics, driven by government policies and cost-effective strategies, create a significant opportunity for generic manufacturers around the world. This case study seeks to analyse the use of generic drugs in the Middle East and in so doing also unveil the nature of the generic drugs market in the Middle East, and specifically Iraq.