About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Thailand's Low-cost Generic Drugs Scheme a Boon for Poor

by Medindia Content Team on November 24, 2007 at 12:32 PM
Thailand's Low-cost Generic Drugs Scheme a Boon for Poor

The Thai government's drive to suspend patents to produce low-cost medicines is a "beacon" for other developing nations seeking to provide treatments to the poor, activists said Friday.

Thailand has locked horns with pharmaceutical companies over so-called compulsory licenses, which temporarily suspend patent protections and allow production of cheaper generic drugs.

Advertisement

Activists at a three-day meeting in Bangkok hailed the government's efforts, saying the kingdom was leading the way in providing medical care to those who cannot afford expensive drugs.

"We are all looking to Thailand as a beacon that has shown us the way forward for a sustainable way to make medicines available and affordable," said Robert Weissman, a director of Washington-based Essential Action.
Advertisement

Pharmaceutical companies have derided Thailand's campaign as an infringement on their intellectual property rights, warning that lost profits would make it harder to finance research for medical innovations.

The companies have also complained that Thailand should have first consulted them before issuing the compulsory licenses, under the rules of World Trade Organisation.

Brook Baker, a professor of law at Northeastern University in Boston, insisted Thailand faced no such legal requirement.

"Under international law, it's completely lawful for Thailand to do what it has done," Baker told a press conference.

Other developing countries, notably Brazil, have also begun following Thailand's path in issuing compulsory licenses.

"The experience in Thailand was very inspiring for Brazil," said Carlos Passareli, spokesman for the country's Ministry of Public Health.

"If Thailand had not taken the lead in this process for compulsory licensing, it would be very difficult for countries like Brazil," he told reporters here.

Thailand has so far suspended patents for the blockbuster heart drug Plavix and the AIDS medicines Kaletra and Efavirenz, and has already begun importing cheaper versions from India, a major source of generic drugs.

The health ministry says it may also suspend patents of four cancer-fighting drugs.

Source: AFP
LIN/P
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Drug News

Promising ALS Drug Candidate Extends Lifespan
The study explores whether CDNF could influence the progression of ALS in rodent models and to elucidate the mechanism through which it operates.
Amoxicillin-Calvulanate Vs Amoxicillin Preference in Child Sinusitis Treatment
Amoxicillin-clavulanate use in acute sinusitis patients is associated with a higher incidence of adverse events.
ADHD Medication Errors Surge by Nearly 300%
Professionals advocate for enhanced education of patients and caregivers, and creation of more effective child-resistant systems for monitoring ADHD medication.
Unknown Medication Side Effects Reported by 52% of Indian Families
In June, WHO raised concerns about 7 Indian cough syrups after complaints from several countries about contamination and health issues.
Painkillers With Hormonal Contraception Linked to Blood Clot Risk
Women using hormonal contraception, along with their healthcare providers, should explore alternative pain relief options instead of NSAIDs.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

Thailand's Low-cost Generic Drugs Scheme a Boon for Poor Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests