October 17, 2009

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
The Canadian Press, 2009

QUITO, Ecuador - President Rafael Correa says he is preparing to
override a host of drug patents to provide lower-priced generic
medications in Ecuador.

Correa says Ecuador will seek "compulsory licenses" from companies to
produce medications considered indispensable.

Under World Trade Organization rules, countries can issue "compulsory
licenses" to disregard patent rights, but only after negotiating with
the patent owners and paying adequate compensation. Governments can skip
the negotiating by declaring a public health emergency.

Correa says access to medicine is a human right and his decision is
motivated by "the philosophy of 21st century socialism."

He made the announcement Saturday on the radio show "Dialogue with the
President."

http://news.therecord.com/Wire/Life_Wire/article/615080