E-drug: RE: Study on tax subsidies for donations of expiring drugs
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As one involved with what some regard as a laudable program - the
International Trachoma Initiative - e.g., supports a WHA resolution,
WHO & country MOH participation, deals with prevention as well as
treatment and building infrastructure, et al, ad nauseum) which
includes a product donation component, I have a couple of
comments on the War on Want piece and the proposed change in
policy in UK.
First, the access of essential drugs critical. But, to date, the debate
led with good intention by MSF has focused on availability,
necessary but not sufficient, and not on access for vulnerable
populations relatively remote to established political infrastructure
mainstream. If the proposed changes lead to increased availability,
great; if they contribute to access, per se, far better still. The
question of how availability and access relate to need and improved
health will warrant attention.
Second, while the War on Want paper raises many well considered
points, it does rely a bit heavily on the "Hidden Price Tags" paper,
which has been discredited by many, reminiscent of Chas Murray's
The Bell Curve, due to methodological flaws applied toward polemic
purpose. This is a shame, as meaningful discussion political
economy of decision making, efficiency and equity are lost in the
subsequent flotsam.
Jeffrey W. Mecaskey, Program Director
International Trachoma Initiative
441 Lexington Avenue (Enter on 44th Street) 16th Floor
New York, NY 10017-3910 USA
Phone: +1(212)490 6460
Fax: +1(212)490 6461
Cell: +1(917)769 7324
email: mecaskey@trachoma.org
URL: www.trachoma.org
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