From Dr Tim Reed.

Sir, The Access to Medicines Index (Reports, June 16) was presented as the sober and considered approach amidst the extremities of the pharmaceutical industry and the non-governmental organisation sector. However, the weakness inherent in the design was entirely disregarded.

The ‘on paper’ codes and procedures declared by the pharmaceutical companies themselves formed the bulk of the data while crucial data from local consumers –patients in developing countries – was overlooked. Without understanding the impact and effectiveness of the pharmaceutical corporate social responsibility policies on the ground, the value of the index is, at best, debatable.

Furthermore, despite doing more to improve access to essential medicines for the world's poor through lowering drug prices, generic manufacturers languish nearer the bottom of the list. When five bigbrand pharmaceutical companies take the top spots in this independent index, it is only natural to question the methods.

Tim Reed,
Director of HAI Global,
Health Action International,
1054 HK Amsterdam,
The Netherlands