Friends and Colleagues:
Abbott's Labs' actions have precipitated the beginnings of a global boycott and unwanted exposure of the "dark side" of its corporate reputation. It seems to me someone inside Abbott should understand the global patent protection system is in place fundamentally not to protect their profits, not to provide a source of revenue to do research for and create an even greater array of "lifestyle" pharmaceuticals, but rather to ensure the public health in all countries, not only the fairer skinned populated and wealthier ones. At some point, perhaps tragically only after the Abbott caused death toll is high enough, we will want to re-examine the pharmaceutical industry's corporate structure and patent systems themselves to see if they really do continue to serve "the global public interest."
As well, an pharmaceutical industry official (see second story below) derided the boycott as follows:"
If Thailand is leading the global crusade, I don't put a lot of stock in its success." Global racism, in the past implicit in the pharmaceutical industry's actions, now has become fully explicit and apparent.
Shame on Abbott.
"Dr. Bob"Robert Hogner
Associate Professor of Management and International Business
Florida International University
Miami , Florida USA
(in Asia until 28 March) http://nationmultimedia.com/option/print.php?newsid=30029417
A deadly game of pharmaceutical apartheid
Published on March 16, 2007
Abbott is now doing what drug companies have long threatened to do when developing countries use lawful flexibilities to access more affordable generic medicines - it is threatening to take its marbles and go home.
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http://nationmultimedia.com/2007/03/25/national/national_30030166.php
Abbott takes a tranquilliser,tells Thais: 'Talk to my boss'
Published on March 25, 2007
Abbott Laboratories is declining requests for comments on the boycott of its products launched in Thailand last Monday - and the actions that led to it - although a US official lobbying on behalf of the drug maker here has derided the boycott.
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