UPSC Prelims 2023 CSAT Paper II · Q63 of 77 Comprehension medium

Passage

Pharmaceutical patents grant protection to the patentee for the duration of the patent term. The patentees enjoy the liberty to determine the prices of medicines, which is time-limited to the period of monopoly, but could be unaffordable to the public. Such patent protection offered to the patentees is believed to benefit the public over the longer term through innovations and research and development (R&D), although it comes at a cost, in the nature of higher prices for the patented medicine. The patent regime and price protection — through a legally validated high price for the medicine during the currency of the patent — provide the patentee with a legitimate mechanism to get returns on the costs incurred in innovation and research.

Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made : 1. Patent protection given to patentees puts a huge burden on public's purchasing power in accessing patented medicines. 2. Dependence on other countries for pharmaceutical products is a huge burden for developing and poor countries. 3. Providing medicines to the public at affordable prices is a key goal during the public health policy design in many countries. 4. Governments need to find an appropriate balance between the rights of patentees and the requirements of the patients. Which of the above assumptions are valid ?

  1. (a) 1 and 2
  2. (b) 1 and 4 ✓ UPSC's answer
  3. (c) 3 and 4
  4. (d) 2 and 3

Why the answer is (b)

• Assumption 1 is valid because the passage explicitly states that patentees determine prices which 'could be unaffordable to the public,' implying a burden on purchasing power.

• Assumption 4 is valid because the passage highlights the tension between the patentee's right to high prices for R&D returns and the public's need for access, necessitating a balance.

• Assumption 2 is invalid as the passage does not mention dependence on other countries or international trade dynamics.

• Assumption 3 is invalid because the passage focuses on the economic mechanism of patents and R&D returns, not on the specific goals of public health policy design.

• Therefore, only assumptions 1 and 4 are supported by the text, making option (b) the correct answer.

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1 and 2
Assumption 2 is invalid because the passage does not discuss dependence on other countries for pharmaceutical products.
(c) 3 and 4
Assumption 3 is invalid because the passage does not state that providing affordable medicines is a key goal of public health policy design.
(d) 2 and 3
Assumptions 2 and 3 are invalid because the passage does not address international dependence or specific public health policy goals.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2023, held on 28 May 2023. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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