Weisel calls for drug policy review
A group led by Barbara Weisel, assistant United States Trade Representative, yesterday urged the government to set up a stakeholders' committee to review compulsory licensing for essential drugs.
Published on March 19, 2008
Dr Paijit Warachit, deputy permanent secretary of the Public Health Ministry, said yesterday after the meeting with Weisel that she suggested that the panel include representatives from the Commerce, Foreign and Finance ministries, pharmaceutical companies and patients. It would consider alternatives to help poor patients access drugs.
"We agree with the USTR that there are other ways to help patients access life-saving drugs more than using compulsory licensing, such as price negotiations and drug donations," Paijit said.
Weisel did not complain about the recent imposition of compulsory licensing for cancer drugs nor mention the impact on the generalised system of preferences, which cuts US import duties.
Saree Ongsomwang, manager of the Consumers Foundation, expressed concern about possible intervention.
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation
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