Better access to medicines for countries in need
23 Mar 2011
Developing countries experiencing epidemics and other health crises will now be able to buy vital medicines from Australia at a more affordable price.
Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr and Trade Minister Dr Craig Emerson have announced the Australian Government is introducing legislation allowing the courts to grant compulsory licenses to manufacture and export patented pharmaceuticals to countries experiencing health crises.
According to the United Nations, an estimated two billion people do not have access to essential medicines. Most of these people live in developing or least-developed countries with limited resources and manufacturing capabilities.
The new system, expected to be in place by the end of 2011, implements an international agreement on public health in the World Trade Organization, amending the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (the TRIPS Protocol).
For more information, read Senator Kim Carr's media release.
Last Updated: 15/9/2012
