BRIDGING HEALTH DISPARITIES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ACCESS TO GENERIC DRUGS IN SPECIAL REFERENCE TO INDIA AND VIETNAM, WITH FOCUS ON COVID-19, AIDS, AND CANCER

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 2 billion people lack access to essential healthcare services. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for global action to address health disparities. Nations must therefore collaborate to develop sustainable solutions that ensure equitable access to healthcare, particularly for marginalized and under served populations. The study further confirms that health inequities are exacerbated owing to the limitations of advanced healthcare technologies with significant gaps in infrastructure and skilled workforce. The Indian situation indicates that innovative solutions to address the increase in cancer rates are critically required, yet high costs restrict access to advanced treatments like immunotherapy. Similarly, in Vietnam, the lack of quality pathology labs and limited availability of radiation therapy centres further complicate cancer care. The study advocates for a multifaceted approach, including enhanced distribution of generic drugs, financial support for research, and policy reforms to ensure equitable healthcare access, collectively aimed at bridging the gap in health disparities in both countries.