Guest shebavon Posted March 5, 2009 Posted March 5, 2009 Interesting article from today's Bangkok Post. I am in full agreement of this nation's policy of putting saving lives over corporate profits. Abhisit warns US on drugs patent issue Govt committed to universal health policy By: POST REPORTERS Published: 5/03/2009 at 12:00 AM Newspaper section: News The prime minister has assured a visiting US business delegation that Thailand's compulsory licensing of essential drugs complies with the World Trade Organisation's agreement on intellectual property. Abhisit Vejjajiva also warned the delegation of greater pressure from society to expand compulsory licensing (CL) if US authorities chose to downgrade Thailand's trade status for not giving intellectual property rights appropriate protection. Mr Abhisit yesterday met with US ambassador Eric John and senior representatives of the US Asean Business Council (USABC) and explained Thailand's stance on the CL issue. He said the government paid close attention to intellectual property protection and consulted the private sector when considering imposing CL on medicines. The government strictly adheres to World Trade Organisation (WTO) regulations on intellectual property and considered other possible channels which would allow access to cheap drugs. These included price negotiations with drug firms, he said. CL allows a government to produce a patented product or process without the consent of the patent owner. It comes under the WTO agreement on intellectual property to give developing countries greater access to drugs. "I have sent a clear signal," Mr Abhisit said. "If the US decides that the situation has worsened, I think it will produce a negative impact. "There will be pressure from our society to expand CL if they treat us that way." The prime minister said he would develop this position when negotiating with US authorities. The CL policy on drug and intellectual property protection was one of seven points raised by USABC representatives during the meeting at Government House. Mr Abhisit said he told the delegation his government was obliged to implement a universal health care policy and had used CL as a last resort over the past two years. He said he hoped bilateral cooperation would create a better understanding and would be considered when the US reviews a plan to put Thailand on its Priority Watch List of trade partners that will be monitored to "encourage and maintain" effective intellectual property rights protections. The Public Health Ministry yesterday made clear its position to the Commerce Ministry on the need to continue the CL policy. "The Public Health Ministry will enforce CL only when necessary by consulting with the private sector especially the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association," the ministry said in a letter sent to the Intellectual Property Department yesterday. The department on Feb 24 asked the ministry not to add to the drugs granted CL. The call was seen as an attempt by the Commerce Ministry to convince the US to upgrade Thailand's trade status as talks between the two countries are set to take place next week in Washington. Former public health minister Mongkol na Songkhla criticised any attempt to link trade benefits with the well-being of people. Dr Mongkol enforced CL when he was in the government led by Gen Surayud Chulanont. Quote
Guest Oogleman Posted March 5, 2009 Posted March 5, 2009 **Mr Abhisit said he told the delegation his government was obliged to implement a universal health care policy and had used CL as a last resort over the past two years.** Since when do obligations mean much for Thai politicians? Quote
Guest lvdkeyes Posted March 5, 2009 Posted March 5, 2009 **Mr Abhisit said he told the delegation his government was obliged to implement a universal health care policy and had used CL as a last resort over the past two years.** Since when do obligations mean much for Thai politicians? Apparently since Abhisit took over. Quote
