Date:14/03/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/03/14/stories/2005031401251302.htm

Back Panel to study patent regime

Our Bureau

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Government has set up a committee to examine how the new patent regime will affect Kerala's healthcare sector.

The committee will determine the possible impact of the new patent system on the prices and availability of medicines in Kerala, says an official press release issued by the State's Health Minister, Mr K.K. Ramachandran.

Suggestions put forward by this committee will be submitted to the Central Government for inclusion in the proposed legislation intended to protect India's interests in the emerging patents regime, the release adds. Members of the committee will include government officials, patent law experts, representatives of the pharmaceutical industry and representatives of voluntary organisations that work in the healthcare sector.