French government launches national action plan to promote use of generics

The French government has launched a national action plan to promote the use of generic medicines, aiming for a saving of 350 million euros ($375 million) by 2017.

The Health Minister, Marisol Touraine, presented the proposals to public health organizations, patient advocacy groups, hospital federations, trade unions, academic groups, professional bodies and teachers. It aims to encourage the use of generics in the community, hospitals and nursing homes, and intends to remove obstacles to the use of generics. Major groups have signed a charter agreeing to adhere to the national plan. A national advertising campaign targeted at the general public and health professionals is to be launched at the end of 2015.

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