ACHARA ASHAYAGACHAT
The US ambassador to Thailand has asked Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont to intervene in the Public Health Ministry's compulsory licensing policy.
Ralph Boyce said in his letter dated July 20 he was afraid that the faded compulsory licensing issue might re-emerge since ''the Health Ministry was actively considering a list of additional drugs for compulsory licensing.''
''The US government thinks it is important for all countries, including Thailand, to play a role in, and benefit fully from, the development of new and more advanced medical treatments. Strong protection of intellectual property rights, including patents, remains a vital part of that process,'' said Mr Boyce.
The ambassador noted that while all World Trade Organisation (WTO) members have the ability to make appropriate use of flexibilities to address urgent situations, these decisions should not be made lightly and only as a last resort.
Surapong Jayanama, secretary to the prime minister, early last month asked the Health Ministry's permanent secretary to consult with other agencies concerned, including the ministries of foreign affairs and commerce, to find common ground on the matter.
The Public Health Ministry will hold a meeting next week with other stakeholders, including HIV/Aids patients, networks of heart disease and cancer patients, as well as the Labour Ministry and Social Security Office.
The US envoy's concern followed a controversial letter from European Union trade commissioner Peter Mandelson to his counterpart Krirk-krai Jirapaet, as well as Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram and Health Minister Mongkol Na Songkhla, protesting against Thailand's consideration of the broad use of compulsory licensing. |
