London: Renowned European NGOs, including
Oxfam and Medecins Sans Frontieres, have thrown their weight
behind the Indian generic drug industry, whose products have
been seized by authorities in Europe alleging violation of
patents.
"If the current EU trade policy remains, it will have a
disastrous impact on the lives of millions ... the Indian
generic medicines industry, which exports two-thirds of its
production to developing countries, could face restrictions,"
a joint declaration by Oxfam, Health Action International and
Medicins Sans Frontieres said here.
The generic drugs are those on which the patents have
lapsed and can be manufactured by anyone.
In his recent visit to New Delhi, Director General of
Geneva-based World Intellectual Property Francis Gurry
corroborated the point that generic drugs do not violate any
patents.
Over the last one year, European authorities have seized
over 18 generic consignments of Indian companies en route
Latin America and Africa, alleging violation of patents.
The issue has repeatedly been taken up by the Commerce
Ministry with the European authorities.
Bureau Report
First Published: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 19:10