[afro-nets] Attorney-General Defends Generic Medicines

[Claudio Schuftan <claudio@hcmc.netnam.vn>]

Malaysia - Attorney-General Defends Generic Medicines Before UN
Rights Body
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From: Bala <admin@3dthree.org>

Geneva, 5 February 2007 -- Malaysia 's Attorney-General Tan Sri
Abdul Gani has publicly stated his country's stand "that generic
drugs should not be restricted in any manner," as generics are
cheaper than patented medicines.

He made this statement before the UN Committee on the Rights of
the Child (CRC), whose session concluded in Geneva last week. He
was speaking in response to pointed questions from the
Committee's Chair, Jacob E. Doek, who asked Malaysian
governmental representatives how they can ensure that trade
agreements do not affect provision of generic medicines,
particularly for the treatment of HIV/AIDS.

Abdul Gani specified that bilateral "Free Trade Agreements
(FTAs) are TRIPS-plus" and that Malaysia has not yet agreed to
any bilateral trade agreement with the U.S. Implying that a
U.S.-Malaysia FTA could result in more expensive drugs,
Attorney-General Abdul Gani said that Malaysia is not going to
negotiate on this issue, and added "we are providing the drugs
for free."

This discussion took place during the CRC's periodic review of
the status of children's rights in Malaysia. The CRC had before
it a note from non-governmental sources that described the
adverse impacts on children's rights of the FTA Malaysia is
currently negotiating with the U.S.

For more information about the CRC and its role in ensuring
trade rules do not undermine human rights, contact 3D at
mailto:info@3dthree.org