UK attacks affordable medicines in India trade talks

In November, leaked trade documents revealed efforts by UK ministers to impose a list of big pharma demands on India in talks over a trade deal. This includes pressure to extend patent monopolies and stopping civil society from having a say about new patent applications.

All this could seriously undermine India’s medicines industry, which is currently the world’s biggest producer of cheaper, generic medicines. Famously, Indian generics brought the price of key HIV medication down by 99%. The NHS also relies heavily on medicines made in India, where intellectual property laws are much more balanced, making sure health needs are considered alongside pharma profits.

Global Justice Now has teamed up with Indian health groups, UK medics and supportive MPs to demand the government drops these dangerous demands. The trade secretary has responded with vague denials, but as long as the government continues to negotiate behind a veil of secrecy, we’ll be keeping the pressure on.

Take action at: globaljustice.org.uk/uk-india-deal