Pharmaceutical patents and the quality of mental healthcare in low- and middle-income countries

Authors:
DE SILVA Varuni, HANWELLA Raveen
Journal article citation:
Psychiatric Bulletin, 32(4), April 2008, pp.121-123.
Publisher:
Royal College of Psychiatrists

New drugs for conditions such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, dementia, anxiety disorders or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder might not be affordable in low- and middle-income countries until 20 years after their manufacture. If cheap clones were to disappear, prescribing practices in such countries would go back 20 years. Pharmaceutical manufacturing companies and the medical community need to consider profits as well as providing access to new drugs to as many people as possible. A win-win situation could be envisaged if pharmaceutical manufacturing companies consider differential price structures for countries depending on their per capita income.

Subject terms:
medication, mental health problems, developing countries, economics;
Content type:
research
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1472-1473
ISSN print:
0955-6036

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