Global R&D convention: Pipe dream?

Frustration with the status quo of the patent system and its inability to address the growing needs of developing countries has inspired the development of a new innovation paradigm, a global research and development (R&D) convention.  Such an effort will certainly generate controversy and be met with skepticism. Here's why. An expert group of the …

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Antibiotic resistance in India : Right problem, wrong solution

The Indian drugs regulator is keen on tighter controls on the retail of antibiotics. This is to curb abuse and drug resistance, a menace of ever-growing proportions.  A just cause, of course. But the method that it seeks to employ for the purpose is questionable. The Times of India reported this week that the regulator …

Ernst & Young on universal healthcare : money or soul?

An Ernst & Young report released last week in tie-up with industry chamber FICCI reckons that public or government funding of healthcare should be raised to between 3.7 per cent and 4.5 per cent of gross domestic product from 1 per cent at present to achieve universal healthcare over a period of ten years. See …