Bypassing Patents Amid Pandemic: A Cautious Approach?

SUPPLY OF DRUGS AND COVID-19: BYPASSING PATENTS?

Covid-19 has made the private and the public organization to respond in a way that was never expected by them. Trying for ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent Covid-19 has made the pharmaceuticals industry to work round the clock. The pressure is not only mounted on the industry but also on the government to provide an effective mechanism to ensure that an optimum number of tests are conducted and vaccines are effectively delivered at a subsidized price. News like shortage of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) kits has made headlines. But this shortage was not for a long duration due to the concerted efforts of government and private and public organizations. Many countries have often resorted to restrictive exports to protect their own. In all these situations, one often forgets to discuss Intellectual Property (IP). Do we need to bypass the IP for the effective development and distribution of vaccines? Let us