India should reject efforts weakening access to generic drugs: MSF
Friday, July 8, 2016
Describing India’s pharmaceutical sector a vital life-line for millions of people in developing countries, an international relief organisation on Thursday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to cave in to corporate pressure and support people’s access to generic medicines to combat deadly diseases like AIDS.
“Doctors Without Borders (MSF) urges the Indian government to safeguard its role in supplying affordable, generic medicines to millions of people in South Africa and the rest of the continent,” said Claire Waterhouse, MSF Access Campaign Advocacy Officer in Southern Africa.
“Today, India faces immense pressure from the United States and its multinational pharmaceutical corporations lobby to roll back its pro-public health patent rules that put people above corporate profits. “If India caves in to this pressure, the results could be devastating for South Africans, millions of people across Africa and other developing countries, and it risks unleashing monopolistic practices that price medicines beyond reach.”
MSF urged Modi to defend India’s lifeline to South Africa and developing countries through affordable versions of new medicines.
Source: DNA India (link opens in a new window)
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