Activists Take Issue with WTO Decision on Cheap Drugs

Following the criticisms regarding the declaration at the Doha Cycle meant to allow access to generic drugs for poorer countries in cases of public health emergencies, a temporary measure was introduced in 2003 to allow poor countries to waive patents to import cheaper generic versions of drugs. This article describes the WTO’s decision to make this a permanent measure with a new accord, and why these proposals have drawn further criticism from NGOs and activists.

• see MSF’s criticims of the decision