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On
Thursday, 18th, 2009 Mahidol
University and the National
Health Commission Office
of Thailand organized the
2nd Salaya Public Forum
entitled, “Over-priced
drugs and out-of-reach
essentials medicines.”
Dr. Hans V. Hogerzeil,
Director, Essential Medicines
and Pharmaceutical Policies,
World Health Organization,
Siriwat Thiptharadol, M.D.,Deputy
Permanent Secretary, Ministry
of Public Health, Assoc.
Prof. Cha-oncin Sooksriwong,
Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol
University attended the
forum.
Mahidol
University intends to become
a driving force in addressing
social issue by inviting
experts to share their
position on critical national
issues. The aim is to lead
to public policy. One problem
is overpriced drugs, which
is a problem that many
sectors try to address.
The Thai society should
be aware of the monopoly
of original drugs. The
2nd Salaya Public Forum
then discussed how the
original drug could be
more affordable for the
current Thai economy. Not
only some drugs are over-priced,
access is also at question.
Even though we accept the
intellectual property protection,
since it allows for research
and development, when life
is at stake, protection
of drugs should have more
alternative as compared
to other inventions. At
present, the fight for
access continues.
The
issue of over-priced drugs
is quite complex, since
it involves the overhead
cost as well as market
monopoly from the intellectual
property right. Patent
is what causes the higher
drug price. Yet, it can
also be a channel to negotiate,
since higher drug price
affects access. This forum
allows many sectors to
express their position,
which contribute to further
understanding of the situation
in the society.
more information ... Article |
VDO Post
Date : June 24, 2009 |
