ACTA Could Seriously Harm Your Health
ACTA, the Anti Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, which now has over 30 signatories could seriously harm your health according to experts.
ACTA, by it’s definition, would effectively make all generic medication illegal – due to it being classed as counterfeit. This issue was first raised all the way back in 2009 but has come to the forefront again as more signatories sign up to the controversial international agreement – which recently saw 22 of 27 EU member states sign up.
The effects of ACTA making generic medication illegal produce could well be devastating, both at home and abroad. Developing countries rely heavily on generic medications to control pandemics, such as AIDS, in countries where the patented medicines cannot be purchased due to the massive price tag.
Closer to home, ACTA could well be one of the final nails in the coffin for the National Health Service. The NHS relies on buying generic
medications (where the 25 year patent has expired) to reduce the costs of fulfilling prescriptions and treating patients. The effect of ACTA could lead to an unbearable, additional, financial strain being put on the NHS as the organisation is already going through one of the toughest periods in its history.
Supporters of ACTA have stated that the agreement is not designed to target pharmaceuticals but is to target issues such as Internet piracy. However, whether or not it is designed for one thing or the other, one fact remains clear. ACTA will allow companies to forbid other companies of making generic forms of their medication. As to whether this was an intention, or just a byproduct of the agreement is unknown, but either way it could be absolutely devastating to the health of people the world over.
DPS Computing opposes ACTA as the legislation is not fit for purpose. We urge you to contact your local government representative to express your concerns over ACTA and why it should not be brought into law.
