Op-ed: Farmaceuten moeten niet zo gefixeerd zijn op winsten

Iyer and van den Brink argue that the issue of access to medicine is more critical than ever as the climate crisis fuels the spread of infectious diseases and the risk of further pandemics, and antimicrobial resistance continues to pose a major threat to human health around the world. There is an urgent need to develop medicines to treat diseases resulting from the effects of climate change, and ensure these medicines are available to all who need them.

The op-ed references the Foundation's latest iteration of the Access to Medicine Index, which finds that the biggest research-based companies are not stepping up their research and development (R&D) efforts for future pandemics. The focus has shifted on targeting chronic diseases that primarily affect rich nations, with the attention being diverted from the issues faced by vulnerable populations living in low- and middle-income countries. This can have an adverse impact on global health, leaving millions of people without access to essential medicines and fueling the spread of diseases worldwide.

Iyer and van den Brink write that members of the public in countries like the Netherlands should do more to challenge the current status quo. They should do so not only in the name of the global health equity but also for reasons of self-interest, since citizens in high-income countries pay twice for the latest medical innovations.

Iyer and van den Brink end the op-ed by saying: "As citizens, we can all play a role by demanding responsible behaviour from pharmaceutical companies, government policymakers and the fund managers who manage our savings. It is time for everyone to pay more attention to the life-and-death question of access to medicines."