# \[e-drug\] Re: MSH-Bill Gates Foundation Essential Medicines Franchise (cont) **URL:** \ **Category:** e-drug\ **Created:** [June 6, 2002, 5:35am UTC](https://talk.edrugplus.org/t/e-drug-re-msh-bill-gates-foundation-essential-medicines-franchise-cont/14473 "2002-06-06T05:35:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![mddah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f0a364/32.png) [@mddah](https://talk.edrugplus.org/u/mddah)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2002, 5:35am UTC](https://talk.edrugplus.org/t/e-drug-re-msh-bill-gates-foundation-essential-medicines-franchise-cont/14473/1 "2002-06-06T05:35:24Z")
E-drug: Re: MSH-Bill Gates Foundation Essential Medicines Franchise (cont) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- I think Patrice Trouiller is absolutely correct to draw attention to what appears to be quite a radical departure from the 'traditional' notions of essential drugs' programs. However, I think this is a creative proposal and it should be encouraged, so long as there is a good evaluation plan. We badly need some new ideas about ways to introduce essential drugs concepts into the uncontrolled system of retail business that is a major supply mechanism for drugs in many countries. While I totally support Patrice's philosphical positions as stated in his e-mail commentary on the MSH franchise proposal, I think we also need to be pragmatic. Many people rely on retail sources of drugs. There has not been great success (as far as I am aware) from educational or regulatory initiatives. Why not try a business approach? David Henry Professor of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, NSW AUSTRALIA mddah@mail.newcastle.edu.au Phone + 61 249 211856 Fax +61 249 602088 -- To send a message to E-Drug, write to: e-drug@usa.healthnet.org To subscribe or unsubscribe, write to: majordomo@usa.healthnet.org in the body of the message type: subscribe e-drug OR unsubscribe e-drug To contact a person, send a message to: e-drug-help@usa.healthnet.org Information and archives: [http://www.healthnet.org/programs/edrug.html](http://www.healthnet.org/programs/edrug.html)