[Ip-health] Business Standard (India)- European NGOs back Indian generic drugs

[Terri - Louise Beswick]

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European NGOs back Indian generic drugs


Press Trust of India / London November 19, 2009, 18:43 IST



Renowned European NGOs, including Oxfam and Medecins Sans Frontieres,
have thrown their weight behind the Indian generic drug industry, whose
products have been seized by authorities in Europe alleging violation of
patents.

"If the current EU trade policy remains, it will have a disastrous
impact on the lives of millions... The Indian generic medicines
industry, which exports two-thirds of its production to developing
countries, could face restrictions," a joint declaration by Oxfam,
Health Action International and Medicins Sans Frontieres said here.

The generic drugs are those on which the patents have lapsed and can be
manufactured by anyone.

In his recent visit to New Delhi, Director General of Geneva-based World
Intellectual Property Francis Gurry corroborated the point that generic
drugs do not violate any patents.

Over the last one year, European authorities have seized over 18 generic
consignments of Indian companies en route Latin America and Africa,
alleging violation of patents.

The issue has repeatedly been taken up by the Commerce Ministry with the
European authorities.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/european-ngos-back-indian-ge
neric-drugs/78751/on