Question 1
Statement: A pharmaceutical company has been selling a life-saving drug at exorbitant prices, making it unaffordable for most patients. The company claims high prices are necessary to recover R&D costs.
Course of Action:
I. I. The government should invoke compulsory licensing to allow generic production.
II. II. The company should be allowed to continue as price controls would discourage future innovation.
III. III. Price negotiations should be conducted with the company to find a sustainable pricing model.
IV. IV. Government subsidies should be provided to make the drug affordable for low-income patients.
V. V. International pressure should be applied to force the company to lower prices globally.
Access vs. Innovation Balance: Compulsory licensing (I) + Negotiation (III) + Subsidies (IV) + International pressure (V) create multi-pronged approach without completely destroying innovation incentives.