National

Patents Bill passed

New Delhi May 14. The long-awaited Patents Bill was today passed by Parliament with the Lok Sabha approving it, incorporating all safeguards to ensure easy availability of drugs at affordable prices. All the amendments moved by the CPI member, Ajoy Chakraborty, were negated.

The Patents (Second Amendment) Bill, passed by Rajya Sabha on May 9, was adopted by a voice vote with the Commerce Minister, Murasoli Maran, assuring the House that all safeguards recommended by the Joint Parliamentary Committee have been incorporated to protect national interest and public health.Winding up a three-hour discussion, Mr. Maran said the bill did not contemplate introduction of product patent for which a third amendment bill would have to be brought before January 1, 2005. Allaying fears that the bill diluted earlier provisions compromising national security and public health concerns, he said the Government had designed a strong and modern IP Act. The bill provides a wide-ranging and powerful weapon to the Government to extinguish the patentees' exclusive right immediately and acquire it if the occasion warranted. It covers all contingencies and has provisions to deal with any crisis situation. It is aimed at safeguarding public interest, public health, national security, protection of traditional knowledge and bio-reserve. The Government is also armed with extra-ordinary powers, including compulsory licensing to prevent misuse by multinationals. PTI

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