International

A proposal by the SP and D66 to increase pressure on pharmaceutical companies to share their knowledge and rights for the production of coronavirus vaccines has been adopted in parliament. With this, the government is instructed to put words into action considering the Netherlands’ support of the knowledge pool of the WHO.

‘There is an enormous shortage of vaccines, which have largely been developed with public funds. This makes the fact that pharmaceutical companies retain the exclusive rights for the production extra bitter,’ says Lilian Marijnissen. ‘Now’s the time to set aside intellectual property rights and maximise production, so everyone has access to the vaccine. This is in the public’s interest.

The SP supports the European Citizens’ Initiative which pleads for accessibility of the vaccine.
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