Asia

Death squads spare no one in the Philippines

Since President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo came to power in 2001, Philippine human rights organizations counted already more than 700 extra-judicial killings. Death squads are targeting progressive activists and leaders of people's organizations but even health workers are not spared. This is the testimony of a staff of one community based health program:

Philippine Health Sector Condemns Attempt on Life of Doctor, Holds Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Accountable

The health sector under the banner of Health Alliance for Democracy (HEAD) condemns in the strongest terms possible the ambush of Dr. Constancio Claver last July 31, 2006 in Kalinga province by unidentified armed men. The attack killed Dr. Claver's wife, Alice, and seriously injured Dr. Claver himself.

This year's Olle Hansson Award to Dr. K Bala

The Olle Hansson Award recognizes the work of individuals from developing countries who have contributed most to promoting the concepts of essential drugs and their rational use and increasing the awareness among consumers of the dangers of irrational and hazardous drugs.

Pfizer Fights IP Flexibilities In The Philippines

The world’s largest pharmaceutical company, Pfizer, is suing the Philippine government for having imported and registered - but not marketed - a product that is still under patent. At the same time, industry is said to be lobbying against a bill under consideration in the Philippines that would introduce more flexibilities into the country’s intellectual property law, according to sources.

A Fury Building Up Across India

In this interview, Arundhati Roy updates her essay on the Narmada issue, The Greater Common Good, published in 1999 in a Indian magazine called 'Frontline'. It was conducted by Shoma Chaudhuri over a period of several days in person and on email.

Public Health at Risk: A US Free Trade Agreement could threaten access to medicines in Thailand

New stringent drug patent and marketing rules being negotiated in a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the US and Thailand would limit competition and reduce access to affordable medicines in Thailand.

Nepal's king reinstates dissolved parliament

King Gyanendra announced on Monday he would reinstate Nepal's dissolved parliament, and political parties called it a victory for a popular protest movement that has paralysed the country.

INDIA: A Nation of Guinea Pigs

There's a new outsourcing boom in South Asia - and a billion people are jockeying for the jobs. How India became the global hot spot for drug trials.

In India - excise free zones vend costlier essential drugs

If you live in India, the next time you buy a strip of tablets, it might be well worth your while to check where the product has been manufactured. They are cheaper in the states where there is more state control over the pharma industry.

Dr. Mathura Shrestha's arrest extended with 3 months

On April 18, the Nepali authorities have extended the detention of Nepali health activist Mathura P. Shrestha and five other political and political, human rights and civil society leaders by another three months. Dr. Shrestha is a prominent member of the People's Health Movement.

Syndicate content