President of the leading global humanitarian organisation CARE and the chair of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS in the US, Dr Helene D Gayle has called for sustained dialogues between the leading R&D-based pharmaceutical firms and the generic firms on working out some suitable pricing models.

“The issue is delicate and we should strike a balance as generics are so important. But at the same time, generics should not cut too much into the R & D based firms which spend hugely on research,’’ Dr Gayle told Pharmabiz.

She said as a leading global NGO, CARE has been involved in the negotiations and giving inputs on the issue of pricing and making efforts to ensure access to medicines, especially in the critical areas like HIV/AIDS. She also suggested models like tiered pricing system and shorter patent periods in special cases to tackle the issue. “The generic industry is so important and we cannot underestimate its impact in ensuring affordable medicines across the world. Even in the US, the generic industry is vital,’’ she said.

Dr Gayle also lauded the achievements made by the Indian generic industry as the pioneer to supply affordable medicines especially to those inflicted by HIV across the world. India has demonstrated commitment and leadership to contain the spread of HIV through preventive measures and affordable treatment, she said.

The CARE chief also lauded the research activities in the traditional medicines in India and called for more efforts in this regard towards developing formulations as cheaper options.

CARE India, a member of CARE International based in USA, will shortly be launching a family health initiative to improve maternal, newborn and child health in Bihar. This project has been awarded to CARE by the Gates Foundation.

Besides, CARE is working with the Bihar Government to bring in reforms in the healthcare sector. “We are working as the facilitator for the programme funded by the DFID and it involves comprehensive interventions at the policy level, advocacy level, management, community and service levels giving the technical leadership,’’ she said

A similar programme on health reforms in Orissa is currently ongoing and it has been approached by Madhya Pradesh (MP) Government also for such leadership for ushering in reforms at various levels.