Reflections of the transnational capitalist class on the global health: The case of India

Abstract

Abstract Objectives This study aims to explore the transformations in the relation of global health and capitalism during the last three decades and its reflections on the nature of power relations between the state, local and transnational capital in the Indian pharmaceutical industry. Methods In this study, the effects of the developments in the international political economy after TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) in the global pharmaceutical sector and in the Indian local sector are examined within the framework of the International Relations discipline. In this sense, a historical review of the Global Patent Regime has been made and a literature review has been conducted on the global pharmaceutical industry, drug patents and post-TRIPS agreements. Qualitative research method is used in the study in which the literature review is evaluated in an empirical and theoretical framework. Key findings The Global Patent Regime has been constructed for the interests of the transnational capitalist hegemon and in this sense has increased inequality in the global health. However, when the changes created by the global economy in the pharmaceutical sector, cooperation between the Southern countries and state policies are analysed, it is seen that a struggle area has been formed. This struggle adds value to global health in terms of access to medicine. Conclusions In transnational capitalism, the emergence of the state in strategic sectors such as the pharmaceutical sector in India indicates a new political and economic power.