The 2012 Shri B. V. Patel Education Trust Essay Competition
(India)
Deadline: 15 September 2012
Website: http://www.perdcentre.com/
The
Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) was
formalised by WHO in the year 1995. The TRIPS agreement awarded a
minimum of 20 years protection for the manufacturing process and final
drug product from the date of filing a patent. The agreement gave a 20
year monopoly to the originator, thus effectively disallowing the
production of generic equivalents.
India
changed its Patents Act to become TRIPS compliant in 2005. Since then
due to unavailability of generic drug equivalents, the affordability of
certain essential drugs for diseases such as AIDS and cancer has
decreased.
There
are very low levels of government funding for healthcare in India, with
less than 4% of total government resources being allocated to health
services. The burden of the healthcare industry falls heavily on individuals.
Not
only a large number of people cannot afford medicines but often have to
pay comparatively significant amounts of their wages or money taken as
loan for purchasing medicines that they can ill afford. Furthermore,
majority of essential medicines are not accessible through public
healthcare system.
However,
the high prices of the under patent drug is not only the reason for the
increased drug prices in Indian market, but the prices of the off
patent generics (produced by Indian companies) are also very high. The
margins in the medicines are extremely high, often reaching 1000-4000
percent. Increase in number of pharmaceutical companies has not resulted
in lowering prices of drugs or for that matter lowering the cost of
health services. Indian pharmaceutical industry is growing at a great
pace, however the citizens of India cannot afford the medicines.
Each
human life is precious and every effort should be made to save it. The
affordability of drugs is a fundamental right for each patient. The
essay is expected to discuss the amendments, government should
incorporate in Indian patent act to make drugs provided by originator
more affordable. Keeping in mind the current scenario of Indian
healthcare system, you are expected to analyze the different
contributors that lead to drug unaffordability and the countermeasures
that government and pharmaceutical companies need to implement in such a
manner that even the poorest of the poor can afford the essential
medicines.
AWARDS
First
and second prize winners will be respectively awarded the Gold &
Silver medal during the 64th session of the Indian Pharmaceutical
Congress to be held in Chennai from December 7 - 9, 2012. Medal winning
entries should be of at least “Distinction” quality as judged by the
panel of judges.
CRITERIA OF ELIGIBILITY
- Any person interested in Pharmacy is entitled to participate in the competition.
- Not more than two Figures may be appended with the essay. The text part of the essay including Tables should not exceed 3000 words. Beyond 3000 words, it would attract minus marks.
- The essay exceeding 4000 words would not be eligible for competition.
- Only single author entry shall be permitted. Acknowledgement of any significant advice or help from others may be made in the cover letter.
- Acknowledgement or the name and address of the author should not appear anywhere on the body of the essay or on the synopsis.
- The last date for the receipt of Essay is 15/9/2012. The essays received after 15/9/2012 cease to be eligible for competition.
- The essay should be exclusively written and submitted for this competition only.
- The decision regarding acceptance, rejection and the award of the medals for the essay would be solely of the trust and remain abiding by all the participants.
The
essay in 4 copies along with (1) A short bio-data and a passport size
photograph of the author (2) four copies of synopsis in not more than
300 words should be sent with a covering letter, subscribing on the
envelope “ESSAY COMPETITION”, on or before 15/9/2012.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
For submissions: The Hon. Secretary, Shri B. V. Patel Education Trust, C/o. B. V. Patel
PERD Centre, S. G. Highway, Thaltej, Ahmedabad - 380 054
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