TRIPS and medicines – Prices, Availability and Health: The effect on India, Thailand, South Africa and Brazil

Abstract: This thesis investigates the TRIPS-agreement signed by all members of the World Trade Organization and how it has affected the price and availability on medicines, and in extension its overall effect on health. This was investigated by conducting four case studies of India, Thailand, South Africa and Brazil. It was found that prices had been affected by TRIPS due to the extension of patent term in India and Brazil, delaying generic manufacturing and that compulsory licensing though permitted under the agreement held consequences, as seen in the cases of Thailand and South Africa. Availability in turn had not increased as indicated by studies of groups of essential medicines in any of the case studies, but appeared restricted by both high prices and other factors. In extension this meant added difficulties in affording and procuring medicines which meant negative effects on public health.