Band 8+: Many people in poor countries die from diseases that are curable because they cannot afford the medication required. Do you believe that drug companies should make their products available at reduced prices in these countries? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience.

While life expectancy is increasing in most developed nations, many individuals in impoverished countries succumb to preventable diseases due to their inability to afford essential medication. It is a widely debated issue whether pharmaceutical companies should provide their products at reduced prices in these regions. In this essay, I will argue in favor of this proposition.

Primarily, the sanctity of human life supersedes any financial considerations. The profitability of a select few individuals within the pharmaceutical industry pales in comparison to the moral imperative of saving lives. These companies are already highly profitable, and a moderate reduction in their profits could significantly impact the lives of countless individuals in impoverished areas. It is regrettable that under the capitalist system, the pursuit of profit has overshadowed the fundamental goal of safeguarding human lives.

In addition, pharmaceutical companies could engage in partnerships with local enterprises in low-income regions. By sharing valuable research findings, such as the formulation and efficient production methods of essential medicine, with smaller regional companies, they could ensure that medication is provided to those in need at affordable prices. These local enterprises could, in turn, be entrusted with the responsibility of distributing medication exclusively to individuals who can demonstrate their low income status. While this approach is realistic, it necessitates extensive collaboration between multinational corporations and potentially governments, which inevitably requires a substantial investment of time and resources.

In conclusion, it is my unwavering belief that the loss of lives due to the unaffordability of life-saving medication can be mitigated. However, this necessitates the commitment of significant financial resources or the dedication of substantial time and effort by major pharmaceutical companies. It is my hope that in the future, these companies will prioritize the value of human life over profit maximization.