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No longer lost in translationNo longer lost in translation
Understanding generic medicines is tricky enough for people who speak perfect English. So, just think how much more difficult it must be for people who don’t speak English well.
However, access to information about generic medicines has just become a lot easier with the release of brochures on the topic in Italian, Greek, Vietnamese and Chinese (simplified and traditional script).
The brochures have been developed by the National Prescribing Service (NPS) and the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA).
They cover what a generic medicine is, the safety and quality requirements for medicines in Australia, and the similarities and differences between generic and original brand medicines.
The brochures were produced as a result of research with Italian and Chinese seniors that showed that people in these communities needed reliable information in their own languages, so the meaning of words like ‘generic’ did not get lost in translation.
As National Prescribing Service Community Quality Use of Medicines Program Manager, Hannah Baird said, ‘Language barriers should not prevent people from understanding and having access to information about medicines’.
‘Generic brands are now available for many medicines — prescription and non-prescription — so people are being offered generic brands more often. An awareness campaign in English about generic medicines has been running since July 2008, but literal translations of the campaign’s messages into Italian and Chinese may give slightly misleading results.’
Research showed that Chinese and Italian seniors need
reliable information in their own languages.
As well as the brochures, community service announcements about generic medicines and interviews with health professionals have been broadcast since March in Cantonese, Mandarin and Italian on SBS, 2AC, 2CR, 3CW and Rete Italia community-language radio stations across Australia.
The generic medicines brochures can be ordered or downloaded free of charge from the National Prescribing Service website or by ringing 02 8217 8700.
MedicinesTalk is a free quarterly newsletter for consumers written by consumers about using medicines wisely. Subscribe to the hard copy version using our online ordering system, or write to MedicinesTalk, National Prescribing Service Limited, PO Box 1147, Strawberry Hills, NSW 2012.
Date published: 2009-05-01 00:00:00
Reasonable care is taken to provide accurate information at the date of creation. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health professional. Health professionals should rely on their own expertise and enquiries when providing medical advice or treatment. Where permitted by law, NPS disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Read our full disclaimer.
References to brands should not be taken as an endorsement by NPS.
