On generic drugs

I refer to the letter Make generic drugs available by Dr. Wolfgang Benkel (The Jakarta Post, Feb. 25, 2000). I am also asking the same questions, with regard to the efforts made by the government to lighten the burden of people hit by the economic crisis and generic drugs.

Many people suffer from illnesses as they cannot afford to buy medicines. It seems that the economic crisis in Indonesia will carry on for some years to come, a situation which is giving the country many problems, the price of medicines being one.

The country is in the worst condition most Indonesians have ever experienced. The number of poor people and the unemployed have increased tremendously, which has resulted in more crimes in the country. People have to do almost anything just to survive, not to mention buy a car.

SYLVIE GILL

Nusa Dua, Bali