The Brazilian government is planning to declare aids a national emergency. The country's health minister, Jose Serra, said the decision was made after negotiations to lower the price of nelfinavir, an aids drug manufactured by Hoffman-La Roche Incorporation, recently failed. The action is being taken under a legislation that permits domestic production of internationally patented drugs during national emergencies. Critics say that the Brazilian decision might be a ploy to bring Hoffman-La Roche back to the negotiating table. The company had offered to cut the drug's price by 13 per cent -- a figure dismissed by one Brazilian official as "price gouging with lives at stake."
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.