La privatización de la salud. El caso de la industria farmacéutica

Abstract

The turn of the millennium reveals an apparent paradox: the intensification of the glo-balization process, which, according to spokesmen from international organizations, constitutes a sure path for poor countries to overcome their historical socio-economic deprivation, and the resurgence of several infectious diseases, which place many countries in a catastrophic situation characterized by declining populations and medieval life expectancy levels. This paradox is reflected in the crisis of medicine production by the market. The major actors are the transnational pharmaceutical companies and the organizations that defend patien1 interests. In this article, Iwill review the health crisis on an international level, and discuss two trends which are emerging; first, the privatization of the world public health system, through Private-Public-Parterships (PPPs); and, second, greater autonomy of countries in the satisfaction of their needs through public health and against the pressure imposed by international institutions.