62 nations back COVID-19patent waiver plea

The proposal floated by India and South Africa seeking patent waivers on COVID-19 related medical merchandise  to regulate the pandemic has been backed by 62 countries, including the USA and China. The first ever joint assertion in this regard was issued on Monday mentioning that the countries are working towards an amended waiver.

“Universal access to immunisation, treatments, testing and other products to control the pandemic should be our priority,” the co-sponsors stated to the World Trade Organization (WTO). “Co-sponsors confirm that they will engage in this process with the necessary flexibility to ensure swift outcomes,” it added. The co-sponsors also said the move is even more critical given the emergence of new COVID-19 variants.