Comparison of Generic and Branded Drug Dispensing Practices in Selected Tertiary Hospitals in Enugu and Abuja

Background: Generic drugs offer a cost-effective alternative to branded medicines with demonstrated bioequivalence. However, dispensing practices across Nigerian hospitals vary considerably, affecting drug accessibility and healthcare expenditure. This comparative study assessed generic versus branded drug dispensing at tertiary hospitals in Enugu (South East) and Abuja (Federal Capital Territory). Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of 500 outpatient prescriptions (250 per site) was conducted at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu and National Hospital Abuja. Prescriptions were evaluated for proportion of generic versus branded prescribing, drug class distribution, alignment with essential medicines policy, and potential cost savings from generic substitution. Results: Generic prescribing was more frequent at UNTH Enugu (64%) than at National Hospital Abuja (48%). Antibiotics and antihypertensives showed the greatest inter-facility variation in generic use. Estimated cost savings from generic substitution across both sites were substantial. Prescriber specialty significantly influenced generic prescribing preference. Conclusion: Generic prescribing varies across institutions and is influenced by prescriber preferences and institutional policies. National policies promoting generic prescribing should be accompanied by quality assurance frameworks to maintain patient confidence. Keywords: generic drugs, branded medicines, prescribing patterns, Enugu, Abuja