Why Are Original Brands So Popular in Private Hospitals? Here’s What I’ve Seen...

You know, I’ve always found it interesting that, even with so many affordable generics on the market, private hospitals here in Malaysia tend to stick with the original brands. It’s one of those things I noticed early on, and it got me wondering – why are original brands so preferred?

Turns out, it’s a bit of a mix of trust, reputation, and just plain habit.

What’s the Big Deal with Original Brands?

Here’s the thing – private hospitals often prioritize what they see as tried-and-true. Original brands usually come with a solid track record, backed by years of usage, research, and trust. Doctors and hospital administrators like that familiarity, and it makes sense. In a way, it’s about safety – they know the brand, they’ve seen the results, and they’re comfortable with it.

Why This Matters?

At least to me…

From a sales perspective, it’s a unique challenge. No matter how effective or affordable a generic might be, breaking through that trust barrier with an original brand is like trying to switch someone’s favorite nasi lemak stall – it just doesn’t happen overnight!

I get it, though.

If I were in their shoes, I’d want to stick with what I know too. But sometimes, I think about how patients end up paying more because of this preference for originals.”

What’s the Bottom Line?

Here’s the reality:

For private hospitals, trust in a brand is everything. They value the proven reliability of original brands, even if it means passing up cost-effective generics.

And for those of us in sales, it’s a reminder that our work is as much about building trust as it is about selling a product. Getting a generic into a private hospital is about showing them it can be just as trustworthy – no small feat.

Final Thought

So, the next time you’re in a private hospital and wonder why you’re seeing brand names on the prescription slip, you’ll know – it’s about a lot more than just the medicine itself. Sometimes, it’s about comfort, trust, and, yes, a little bit of habit.

Disclaimer: This post is just me sharing my own thoughts and experiences from working in the pharmaceutical sales industry. It’s not official advice or a statement from any organization. Just a bit of my own perspective on what goes on behind the scenes.