E-DRUG: HAI Statement- Release of generic ARV medicines by Dutch Customs
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HAI Statement
Release of generic ARV medicines by Dutch Customs Authorities
20 March 2009- Health Action International (HAI) has learned that the
UNITAID shipment of generic HIV/AIDS medicines, seized at Amsterdam
Schiphol airport, was released by the Dutch customs authorities on 12
March 2009. Whilst we are delighted that the authorities have taken this
action and, in the end, shown the appropriate consideration for access
to essential medicines in developing countries, a lesson must be learnt
from this incident. The intervention in the legitimate trade of
life-saving generic medicines should never have occurred and must not be
allowed to happen again.
Intellectual property should not be allowed to distort or corrupt the
free movement of legitimate medicines in transit. HAI will continue to
work to ensure that access to medicine supplies is uninterrupted by
customs officials and will vigilantly monitor this issue in both the
Netherlands and at the European level.
Dr. Tim Reed, Director, HAI Global
Health Action International
Overtoom 60/III
1054 HK Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 20 683 3684
Fax: +31 20685 5002
Email: terri@haiweb.org <mailto:tim@haiweb.org>
Website: http://www.haiweb.org/>
Health Action International (HAI) is an independent, global network
working to increase access to essential medicines and improve their
rational use through research excellence and evidence-based advocacy.