World Trade Rules and Cheaper Drugs [Lancet 2001;357:243]: This is an editorial review of a topic that has been politically charged in recent years. Three years ago the South African Parliament gave its Minister of Health the power to import drugs from countries where prices are lower. This activity was based on the "Medicines and Related Substances Control Amendment of 1997" that allows governments to avoid the monopoly that is given to companies with patents in South Africa. In response, the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of South Africa halted the act by filing suit. This case is to be presented to the High Court on March 5. The Lancet editorial suggests that "industry experts and government officials should be working with WHO to ensure that trade agreements that currently threaten already fragile economies can be adjusted to meet any crisis affecting the health of developing nations now and their very existence as trading nations in the future."
posted 2/22/2001

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