The Delhi Network of Positive People (DNP+) expressed its concern to Honorary Shri Anand Sharma, Minister of Commerce, and industry regarding the consequences of ongoing negotiations between India and the European Union for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Indian generic industry. According to the text of the EU-India FTA negotiation, the EU has demanded for data exclusivity, patent term extensions and border measures that would impact access to generic drugs. Therefore, DNP+ urged the minister to cease all FTA negotiations until there is a public consultation with health groups and the public or with approval from parliament and state legislatures.
DNP+ also issued an open statement to the EU Trade Commissioner as a reminder that their attempt to pressure India to adopt TRIPS-plus provisions will highlight its indifference to the loss of lives in developing countries in Africa, Latin America and even in India.
Related media articles:
a) Pharmabiz.com: Public interest groups ask government to open EU-Indian negotiation on FTA to Parliamentary scrutiny & public debate
b) Television on CNBC: FTA protest
c) The Guardian blog: Protect the drug giants patents – and harm the health of the poor?
d) Reuters Article by MSF: EU/India trade pact could limit cheap drugs
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