[Ip-health] Kenya Broadcasting Corp - Coalition Against Change of Patent Act

[Mike Palmedo]

http://www.kbc.co.ke/story.asp?ID=37796

Coalition against change of patent Act

Kenya Broadcasting Corporation
By Catherine Atundi
Wednesday, July 19, 2006)

A coalition of HIV/AIDS Civil Society groups Tuesday urged Members of
Parliament not to pass proposed amendment to the Industrial Property Act
2001 saying it will eradicate gains made in guaranteeing access to Anti
Retroviral Drugs and other medicines.

The members who were meeting in Nairobi said endorsing the amendments
will prevent the government from providing free ARVs to Kenyans or
seeking cheaper drugs without first asking for permission from countries
which hold the patent rights.

James Kamau from the Kenya Treatment Access Movement alleged that
powerful International Pharmaceutical companies were lobbying Mps to
pass the bill with the amendments so they can make profits.