December 25, 2002
Dear Colleague,
Greetings from Consumers Association Bangladesh (CAB).
We have come to learn that a proposal is being put forward by the US and
EU delegations at the TRIPS Councils and developing countries are under
immense pressure to accept. And this proposal will create problems for the
people of the developing countries. We vehemently oppose to it.
In this regard our objections are stated below:
- There should be no Compromise on the scope of deceases. We Know that in
para 4 of the Doha declaration says 'The agreement can and should be
interpreted and implemented in a manner supportive of WTO members' right to
protect public health and in particular to promote access to medicine for
all.'' So the definition of public health problems should not limit to a
handful of diseases.
- The solution should not exclude vaccines. or important medical devices.
- The solution should not be limited in terms of countries that can import
or export products for addressing public health problems. This is because
the use of compulsory licensing has been limited.
- The solution should not be protectionist and should allow every country
to have the same opportunities to address abuses of patent rights,
regardless of how large or small its domestic market.
Best wishes,
Quazi Faruque
General Secretary, CAB