This refers to the editorial "Patent problems" (April 2). The recent Supreme Court verdict will benefit several other nations that receive health aids through Unicef and non-governmental organisations like the International Dispensary Association since five per cent of their supply is sourced from India. At the same time, the verdict will not have a deterrent effect on innovations. The fear of pharmaceutical companies not investing in research and development for new drugs in India is misplaced, since it will still be cost-effective for companies to invest in the country. It is a lesson for multinational companies to stop using patents as their "right to loot". Clearly, the costing practice of pharma companies is not transparent; it is based on exaggerated and unrealistic assumptions. And this lobby has become very powerful - even trying to extend its hold to get patents for traditional ayurvedic products, yoga and turmeric, the traditional Indian spice. Medicine prices have gone up more than 50 per cent in the last one year, and the Indian pharma companies should realise their social obligations.
N Ramamurthy, Chennai
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