I hope everyone is well, safe and enjoying their internships. My second week in Delhi was great and I now have direction during my tenure at HRLN. From the beginning of the week, I had a general idea of what I would like to do while working at HRLN. However, I knew that attaining approval would be a difficult accomplishment. I spent three intense days doing some extensive research and composing my proposal. On Thursday, despite my supervisor being extremely busy, he took the time to meet with me. We discussed some of my ideas and he revealed to me that my proposal was an endeavor he was hoping someone would undertake. Within a few minutes I attained approval for my project and I have been working on it ever since. He also graciously provided approval to undertake field research and attend ongoing cases at various court levels. This project is definitely going to keep me busy but I am really looking forward to providing HRLN with the finished product.
I will be composing an internal circular booklet for HRLN that distills complex knowledge regarding recently amended Patent Law and its implications on the Generic Pharmaceutical industry. Specifically, I will be focusing on India ratifying TRIPS and its impact on access to second line ARV medication for those with HIV/AIDS. To help initiate field research, I attended workshops in Dharamsala which were organized by HRLN. I had the privilege to talk with Human Rights Activists who reside there alongside those who have been negatively impacted by HIV/AIDS. I had been continually told about the negative stigma attached to this disease in India but attendance at this workshop really hammered home the harsh realities experienced here. It takes a lot of courage to admit having the disease since numerous negative perceptions exist. After overcoming this substantial hurdle, it is distressing to know there are more obstacles which must be overcome due to Patent Law.
Sincere concerns have been voiced that generic pharmaceutical production will experience substantial detrimental impacts due to ratifying TRIPS. Amendments to the Patent Act of India will disallow simple reverse engineering of drugs for life threatening diseases. ARV medications for HIV/AIDS is included on this list. This will impact access to newly developed ARV medication for those with HIV not only living in India but on an international scale as well. It is no secret that generic drugs are considerably cheaper, resulting in impoverished groups being negatively impacted. I will decompose the Patent Act and based on field research conducted, provide suggestions on how to counteract existing provisions to maintain the rights of those with limited or no access to ARV medication. This booklet will be a perfect preparatory tool for HRLN employees who are filing a Public Interest Litigation Case against either their local government or a pharmaceutical company. The information provided in this booklet will help them become more conversant with the technicalities of Patent Law and pertinent information regarding access to ARV medication.
Another highlight this week was attendance at the premier of the documentary created by HRLN entitled “I Want to Live.” Media and representatives from international organizations including UNAids were present. After the screening, there was an open forum and a panel discussion which was comprised of individuals who were pivotal to the documentary. It was such an honor to be at this screening. I was among those who are making a significant difference in India and those who are suffering from discrimination due to having HIV/AIDS. The documentary was a compilation of stories from various individuals. It narrated how they were tired of being discriminated and wanted their rights maintained. The documentary was overall informative and moving.
My second week was much better than the first and I sincerely hope this trend continues!
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.