Ghana To Produce Three Generic Antiretroviral Drugs Beginning March 2003
Officials in Ghana announced on Monday that the country will start producing three "off-patent" antiretroviral medications in March 2003, Xinhua News Agency reports. According to the Ghana News Agency, the drugs, which are intended to "manage symptoms and opportunistic diseases," will be made available through "specific treatment centers," such as the Korle Bu and Komfo Anokye teaching hospitals. Dr. Kwaku Yeboah, manager of the National AIDS Control Program, said that no price has been set, but he expects the drugs will be "affordable." He added that the government is working on guidelines for the production of the drugs to ensure that no patents are violated. The government is also holding talks on how to procure antiretroviral drugs through the private sector (Xinhua News Agency, 9/30).
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