The objective of a publicly traded company is to make profit for its owners i.e. shareholders. However, there are millions of AIDS victims in this world. Most of these victims are from destitute countries, like African nations. It would be irrational for us to think that these people could afford this medicine at an existing market price. The world organizations, such as WHO (world health organization), provide with assistance by subsidizing AIDS related medicine. However, this is not enough as many people are dying every day. Many argue that this medicine should be free as it is the only way a victim's life could be prolonged or saved.  GlaxcoSmithKline already allows license for generic drug production to countries, like South Africa.  Should our government be involved in controlling the price of this drug? Or, should thegovernment force Glaxco to share the key knowledge of this product with its competitors (price becomes competitive)? Explain why or why not?

EBK HEALTH ECONOMICS AND POLICY
7th Edition
ISBN:9781337668279
Author:Henderson
Publisher:Henderson
Chapter5: Demand For Health And Medical Care
Section: Chapter Questions
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The objective of a publicly traded company is to make profit for its owners i.e. shareholders. However, there are millions of AIDS victims in this world. Most of these victims are from destitute countries, like African nations. It would be irrational for us to think that these people could afford this medicine at an existing market price. The world organizations, such as WHO (world health organization), provide with assistance by subsidizing AIDS related medicine. However, this is not enough as many people are dying every day. Many argue that this medicine should be free as it is the only way a victim's life could be prolonged or saved.

 GlaxcoSmithKline already allows license for generic drug production to countries, like South Africa.

 Should our government be involved in controlling the price of this drug? Or, should thegovernment force Glaxco to share the key knowledge of this product with its competitors (price

becomes competitive)? Explain why or why not?

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