15 April 2009

A brochure explaining generic medicines has been translated into Chinese (simplified and traditional), Italian, Vietnamese and Greek as part of the third phase of the Generic medicines are an equal choice campaign.

Developed by the National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) and Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA), the bilingual brochure is aimed at seniors and supports radio announcements airing in March and April in Cantonese, Mandarin and Italian on SBS radio, 2AC, 2CR, 3CW and Rete Italia.

“Research undertaken by NPS and FECCA suggests that seniors from these language groups may find it difficult to understand some of the information provided to them about generic medicines,” NPS Deputy CEO, Karen Kaye said.

This is partly because the translation of ‘generic medicines’ has different meanings in different languages.

“It is important that all people living in Australia understand what medicine choices are available to them, and know how to identify what their medicines are for. Not only will this help you have informed discussions with your doctor or pharmacist about your medicines, it may also help prevent medicine mix ups,” Ms Kaye said.

The brochure provides people with something they can take home and refer back to, or pass on to friends or family who may prefer to read translated information or who may have limited English language proficiency.

“This new brochure plays an important role in ensuring that culturally and linguistically diverse consumers have access to in-language information to enable them to make informed decisions about generic medicines,” Voula Messimeri, FECCA Chair, said.

The generic medicines brochures and other translated materials about medicines are available from GPs and pharmacists, and at www.nps.org.au/generics/multilingual.  

ENDS