Biotechnology and health systems in developing countries

Biotecnología y sistemas de salud en los países en vía de desarrollo

We analyzed relationships and challenges arising between academic research and the biotechnology industry on pro­ moting access to health biotechnology in developing countries. First, a theoretical review on the relationships and new conflicts of interest emerging between biotechnology, industry and academic research was performed. Statements and reports on this situation were critically studied in order to evidence the challenges from a bioethics perspective. Some of these countries are beginning to conduct research processes on health biotechnology, but it is deplorable they do not yet achieve targeted coverage levels through innovative processes developed from within as a result of strategic partnerships between academic research, industry and state. Investment should be directed towards research and innovation in this type of technology in order to enable overcoming a curative type of medicine and introducing a predictive type of healthcare system -coetaneous to preventive medicine- as an effective process which translates in enjoying the highest standards of the right to health and progressing to a system which legislates public policies derived from concrete multidisciplinary research on health issues results.

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