ethics question

[Guest kingrad]

Is it ethical for patents to be issued for medical technologies?

[Guest TimmyMax]

Hey,

 

I say that it isn't but it still happens anyway.

 

Best of luck!

Timmy

[Guest ttryit]

Sure it's ethical. If these patents were not issued, what would be the incentive for companies to pursue them at all?

 

//tt

[Guest RoseSmurfette]

I don't know what the actual laws are, but I think that med technology isn't ethically different from drugs. In Canada, drugs can be patented (obviously), but they also have to be sold to the public at a "reasonable price" (as determined by a government committee).

[Guest Steve MD09]

Drug patents don't last long, so generic equivalents are available fairly soon after a drug is released. I don't think the case is the same for equipment.