Indian pharmaceutical industry: policies, achievements and challenges
Current Science, 2014, Vol. 106 , No 10, pp. 1345-7 ( 25 May)
Throughout history, patent laws have been enacted to protect national interests. Their defence however is couched in universal language to deflect criticism. Even post-TRIPS, India has so far successfully managed to retain a patent regime that aims at producing high quality generic drugs at low prices for use in India and other middle- and low-income countries as well as in rich countries . India’s patent laws are serving as role model for many other countries. India is being subjected to ever increasing pressure to reverse its direction and enact laws that protect and advance the interests of the Big Pharma. Will India be able to withstand these pressures? Only time will tell.
For the full paper, see
http://www.currentscience.ac.in/Volumes/106/10/1345.pdf