Public Health, Access to Medicines and the Role of Patent System in Nigeria
Author Information
Author: Adebambo Adewopo
Position: Research Professor
Institution: Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS)
Additional Note:
This paper is a revised version of a keynote presentation delivered at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) Roundtable on Health Law and Policy held at the Ayo Ajomo Auditorium, NIALS, Lagos, on 19 May 2011.
Paper Details
Title: Public Health, Access to Medicines and the Role of Patent System in Nigeria
Author: Adebambo Adewopo
Publication: NIALS Journal of Intellectual Property (NJIP)
Year: 2011
Subject Area: Patent Law, Public Health, Intellectual Property
Abstract / Overview
The paper examines access to medicines in Nigeria and analyzes how patent law affects public health. It explores government use of patents under the Nigerian Patent Act as a mechanism to improve access to medicines and healthcare delivery. The article argues that patent law is neither a barrier nor a determinant of access to medicines, but rather a tool that can be used to facilitate public health outcomes when properly implemented.
Main Focus of the Paper
The paper discusses:
- Access to medicines in Nigeria
- Patent law and public health
- Government use of patents
- Pharmaceutical industry and patent regulation
- Barriers to access to medicines
- Public health policy and intellectual property
Key Issues Discussed
The article highlights:
- Limited availability of essential medicines
- Role of patent law in access to medicines
- Government compulsory use of patents
- Infrastructure challenges in healthcare delivery
- Funding limitations
- Social and economic barriers to healthcare access
Key Themes
- Patent law and healthcare
- Public health policy in Nigeria
- Access to medicines
- Intellectual property and development
- Pharmaceutical regulation
About the Article
This article examines how Nigeria can leverage patent law to improve access to medicines and strengthen public health outcomes, while addressing structural challenges such as funding, infrastructure, and healthcare policy implementation.
Suggested Citation
Adewopo, Adebambo
Public Health, Access to Medicines and the Role of Patent System in Nigeria
NIALS Journal of Intellectual Property (NJIP), 2011
