New hope for AIDS patients with cheaper generic versions of drugs
Thailand has taken a bold step. Its decision to bypass the patents on two Aids drugs and one heart drug has put the country on a collision course with the big pharmaceutical firms.
The issue here:which is more important-the prosperity of the MNC or the health of its citizens.AIDS is a major issue in Thailand and it has no option but to make this move.Some may shout and say this violates intellectual property rights.This is true but what is the other option.How many can afford to buy the drugs?
It is also a reality that to do research on drugs costs a lot of funding.After Thailand,more countries will try to do the same.African nations will be the next.In the long run,this will affect the research and development of new drugs.I am just Pink Suzie, a nobody but if I have AIDS,I will definitely support the Thai government’s move.The drugs are priced at USD.How many can afford it?The drug bill itself will bankrupt nations.
The next logical step is for the big pharmaceutical companies to try to lower costs and corner the markets.After all,its drugs are bound to be better than the cheap, generic copies of the drugs.
The MNC’s shouldn’t be given free rein to play God.It will have to adapt to the changing trading environment.It simply has to or it will lose its overall share of the market and never regain its research and development costs.Lives are at stake here.
To read more, AIDS patients in Thailand have a new hope
The US, normally a vocal defender of intellectual property rights, has kept quiet about Thailand’s decision, so has the World Health Organization.The drug companies are also showing signs of flexibility, offering significant price cuts to Thailand.
Hurray to the little people.
Posted in on April 29th, 2007 by suzie | |
on July 25th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
Very nice site, i love it!
on July 25th, 2007 at 10:14 pm
Hi Makayla Garcia,
Welcome to this blog!I hope you will enjoy reading and hopefully would contribute your opinions freely.
All the best to you !
Cheers!
Laura