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“We've had a long wrangle with the pharmaceutical industry about parallel imports, and what we were saying is we want to make medicines and drugs as affordable as a possible to what is largely a poor population.” quote by Thabo Mbeki
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“We've had a long wrangle with the pharmaceutical industry about parallel imports, and what we were saying is we want to make medicines and drugs as affordable as a possible to what is largely a poor population.”

Thabo Mbeki

About This Quote

Source Speech: Public health address, South Africa, 2001

Advocates reducing drug costs for low‑income populations by allowing parallel imports of medicines.

In simple terms: Make medicines cheaper for poor people.

Key Takeaway

Support parallel imports to lower prices.

Themes

health equity affordability policy global health

Mood

concerned determined

Type

policy advocational

When to use this quote

  • government health programs
  • NGO advocacy
  • patient assistance
  • international trade negotiations

Key Concepts

pharmaceutical economics trade policy access to medicine

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can quality be ensured with parallel imports?
  • What alternative strategies exist to lower drug prices?
A Different Perspective

Parallel imports may affect drug quality control and local industry.

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