Indian scientist Yusuf Hamied appointed to high-level panel on health by UN chief Ban Ki-moon

Chairman of Indian pharmaceutical firm Cipla Yusuf Hamied as he poses for a portrait in New Delhi Chairman of Indian pharmaceutical firm Cipla Yusuf Hamied as he poses for a portrait in New Delhi File Photo AFP photo

An eminent Indian scientist has been named by UN chief Ban Ki-moon to a high-level panel on health technology innovation and access, in an effort to escalate investments in research and development for diseases where financial returns are not guaranteed.
Hamied’s efforts to eradicate AIDS

Yusuf Hamied, the non-executive Chairman of generic pharmaceutical manufacturer Cipla will be part of the 16-member panel that will be co-chaired by former President of Switzerland Ruth Dreifuss and former President of Botswana Festus Mogae. The UN said Hamied has led efforts to treat and eradicate AIDS and other diseases in the developing world, and to give patients life-saving medicines regardless of their ability to pay.
Medicine for $1 per day in 2001

He offered the world’s first affordable AIDS medicine at the unprecedented cost of $1 per day in 2001. He has also been influential in pioneering the development of multi-drug combination pills, notably for HIV, tuberculosis, asthma and other ailments chiefly affecting developing countries, as well as the development of paediatric formulations of drugs, especially those benefiting children in poor settings, a statement issued here said.

The UN Secretary General said the panel’s eminent members are “well-respected individuals with a deep knowledge and understanding of the broad range of trade, public health, human rights and legal issues associated with access to treatment.”

Other members of the panel include CEO of British multinational pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline company Andrew Witty,

PTI