Health Sciences Authority's Considerations for Importation of Generic Medicines into Singapore
7 August 2024
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NOTICE PAPER NO. 2969
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 7 AUGUST 2024
Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim
MP for Sengkang GRC
Question No. 6023
To ask the Minister for Health (a) whether the Health Sciences Authority exercises any guidance or determination over the importation of generic medicines into Singapore; (b) if so, what are the considerations for determining whether a generic medicine can be imported into Singapore; and (c) if not, why not.
Answer
1 We encourage the import of generic medicines into Singapore, after the original patents have expired. However, all medicines, including generic medicines, have to be evaluated and approved by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for safety, quality, efficacy and ability to meet Good Distribution Practice standards before they can be supplied in Singapore.