Archive · 25 Jul 2025
Experts Express Concerns Over India-UK FTA's Pharmaceutical Impact
Imagine India and the UK made a deal about trade, including rules on medicine patents.
Some experts worry this deal might make it harder for people to get cheap medicines because it gives more power to the companies that own the patents.
These patents protect the medicines, but if the patent holders don't make enough medicine, the government can allow others to make it to help people.
The experts are concerned that the new agreement makes it harder for the government to do this, possibly keeping medicine prices high.
The government says the deal is fine, and it still allows them to ensure access to needed medicines.
Experts express concerns about the India-UK FTA's impact on access to affordable medicines.
The agreement's intellectual property provisions might favor patent holders over public health needs.
Compulsory licensing, a tool for affordable medicine access, faces increased scrutiny.
Government officials maintain the FTA aligns with India's legal framework and public health priorities.
Experts criticize provisions for commercial working of patents and transparency.
- Who
- Experts and government officials.
- What
- The India-UK Free Trade Agreement's intellectual property provisions are under scrutiny.
- When
- Published on July 25, 2025.
- Where
- India and the UK.
- Why
- Concerns are raised about the FTA's impact on access to affordable medicines.
Experts' Concerns
Government's Stance
Licensing Preference
Experts' Concerns
The FTA may prioritize voluntary licenses over compulsory licenses, undermining access to affordable medicines.
Government's Stance
The government states that the FTA acknowledges best practices without limiting India's right to issue compulsory licenses.
Patent Disclosure
Experts' Concerns
The provision for commercial working of patents and transparency could limit the ability to prove unmet needs, impacting the process to issue compulsory licenses.
Government's Stance
The government claims the provisions are consistent with India's existing legal regime and the evolving needs of a modern innovation ecosystem.
Public Health exceptions
Experts' Concerns
The FTA shifts India from a defender of public health exceptions to a rule-taker, compromising its ability to act in emergencies.
Government's Stance
The provisions ensure transparency, adequate royalties, and voluntary mechanisms, aligning with global best practices.
- Agreement
- India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
- Focus
- Intellectual Property (IP) Provisions
- Issue
- Access to affordable medicines
- Compulsory Licensing
- Under increased scrutiny
- Government Stance
- Alignment with India's legal framework and public health priorities