Chapter 9, Problem 1QC

Summary Introduction

To review:

Whether the pharmaceuticals industries be permitted to manufacture antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) at low cost in order to sell in needy countries or not.

Introduction:

The ARV drugs are used against the treatment of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). These drugs are very expensive and are still in the phase of research for developing better varieties. The monthly cost of these drugs is almost $2500, which makes them accessible to the underdeveloped countries like Africa.

Explanation of Solution

Africa holds more than half of the world’s population of people who are affected by HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus). These people cannot afford to the treatment methods imparted for AIDS. The pharmaceuticals of United States (US) are taking up the R&D (research and development) for the ARV drugs.

However, the cost of research and final drug is so high that it is unable to be afforded by the poor people. As a result of this, the pharmaceutical firms of countries other than the US are manufacturing these drugs at a much cheaper price and supplying in needy countries. The price is cheap because they do not have to spend on research, unlike the US pharmaceuticals. This decision or act might appear worthy of appreciation but it also poses a risk to the ongoing research that aims to develop superior and effective variety of these drugs.

Research takes time and these countries cannot wait for so long. So, the best solution can be to impose a check on the export of these drugs and should be restricted to the neediest countries like Africa. On the US’s part, the government should speed up the R&D projects to meet the demands of these drugs.

Conclusion

Thus, it can be concluded that the foreign countries should not be allowed to produce and export the ARVs uncontrollably. In case, immediate help is required, the drugs made by them can be supplied to poor countries.