E-DRUG: Drug prices in a globalized world
Dear All,
I am a Public Health Professional, Pharmacist basically, working for Rational Drug Use in Pakistan. My abstract (see below) has been accepted for presentation at the 3rd National Symposium, being held in Canberra Australia, in June 2006. The symposium focuses on promoting RUD and Quality use of Medicine.
Please let me know about any scholarship or any other form of financial help to attend this symposium. I will be looking forward to some positive
responses. Thanks in advance.
Regards
Tauqeer
Tauqeer Mustafa Choudhry
Assistant Project Coordinator (Pharmaceuticals)
The Network for Consumer Protection
40-A, Ramzan Plaza, G-9 Markaz
Islamabad, Pakistan
Ph# Off: 92-42-2261085
Hand Ph# 92-333-4101610
[From an earlier E-drug message:
"Please find attached an invitation to colleagues in the Asia pacific
region to apply for a scholarship to attend the National Medicines
Symposium In Australia in June 2006(www.nps.org.au/events). The
scholarship is for AUD$5000. A copy of the application form can be
obtained from mdemann@nps.org.au.
A scholarship opportunity exists for a health academic, health worker or
policy colleague from the Asia-Pacific region with an interest in
rational drug use to attend the National Medicines Symposium 2006 -
balancing beliefs, benefits and harms. This will be held Wednesday 7 -
Friday 9 June 2006 at the National Convention Centre in Canberra,
Australia."
WB]
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New aspects of an outstanding challenge for health professionals and activists
Abstract
Prices of pharmaceuticals are a key indicator of the access to medicines that the population of a country enjoys. Historically research and development of these products has been a shared responsibility of private businesses and public sector health organizations. However, the manufacture and distribution of these has largely lied in the domain of private businesses. It has never been easy for the regulators to work out rationale for pricing and offer business incentives and also ensure wide spread availability of these essential products to the needy.
The situation has become more intriguing in the post-1990 globalized world. The nation states are under increasing pressure to economize public spending, regulate less and give in to the free market. The governments are alternating public health agenda with that of boosting exports and attracting foreign investments. The global governance systems, like WTO, are making it harder for local and small initiatives to hold ground and survive. The pharmaceutical corporations are, through a process of conglomerization, gaining financial strength and political clout of the scale that has no parallel in human history.
While it still may take some time for the new game to set in, it is more than evident that the people with less paying capacity ought to be the ultimate losers. For the majority of our population it means continued suffering.
The situation poses new challenges to the health professionals and the activists who dream of a world that offers health to all. One step towards meeting this rather formidable task is to understand and critically appraise the present drug price situation. The Network for Consumer Protection in Pakistan is partnering with World Health Organization (WHO) and Health Action International (HAI) in developing a system for monitoring prices of pharmaceuticals in different countries and comparing these with one another and with local livelihood realities. This system is poised to become a main indicator of the way the pharmaceutical sector is heading from the point of view of common people. It shall keep resounding to the world its Health for All commitment amidst the deafening noises of free market.