Cooperation between developing countries and the pharmaceutical industry in the control of parasitic diseases: A proposal for a practical approach

In this paper a pragmatic approach to the cooperation between developing countries and the pharmaceutical industry is proposed. This approach is based upon a division of tasks between the partners involved, thus maximizing the output through optimal use of each partner's capabilities. In the model proposed here, the pharmaceutical industry remains responsible for continued therapeutic research and development. These efforts are rewarded by the industry's transfers of active ingredients to pharmaceutical production plants. Pharmaceutical production and packaging plants can be decentralized and located in developing countries. Local organized integrated health care programs are the clients of the regional pharmaceutical plants. These programs can be coordinated and sponsored by national and international agencies and organizations. It is suggested that the transactions, possibly with the exception of the delivery of the products to the patients, be concluded along principles of the market economy. Dirigism and bureaucracy must be avoided.