Many people in developing countries who suffer from serious illnesses depend on generic drugs manufactured in India to survive.
But a lawsuit brought by pharmaceutical giant Novartis against the Indian government is putting millions of lives at stake!
The suit threatens the health of millions of people who can't afford the expensive brand name drugs that Novartis and other big pharmaceutical companies produce.
India's pharmaceutical industry supplies critical low-cost generic versions of the world's most effective medications for diseases - ranging from HIV to cancer. Because of these medications, more children have healthy parents, communities stay productive and the overall quality of life is better for millions.
It’s a grave injustice when lifesaving drugs are widely available, but priced out of reach of so many of the people who need them the most! The Novartis lawsuit, now underway, would reverse the progress being made in India.
Tell the Novartis CEO to drop the case against the Indian government!
Dear Novartis CEO Dr. Daniel Vasella,
As a supporter of CARE and an advocate for the world's poor, I urge you to drop your lawsuit challenging the public health safeguard in Section 3(d) of India's patent law.
Novartis' action could constrain poor people's access to essential drugs, not only in India but also worldwide. In most developing countries, access to Indian generic drugs is a lifeline for people who cannot afford innovator drugs. In fact, the ability of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to dramatically increase the numbers of people on AIDS treatment has been made possible partly by Indian generics.
The TRIPS Agreement and the Doha Declaration provide flexibility for developing countries to balance patent protection with public health imperatives. I urge you to respect the public health safeguards in India's patent law.
I know that Novartis strives to be a socially responsible company. I call on you to demonstrate such responsibility in India. Lives are at stake - please drop the case!
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Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
