[Patents] Romanian Patent Problem..

[Toast marmalade@x-stream.co.uk]

Hi,
    I watched a news item from the BBC in England
this morning regarding children suffering with HIV
in Romania. Apparently they only have drugs for one
month, and cannot obtain more drugs because of the
cost, and the companies that supply the drugs won't
drop their prices.

    Whether the above story is correct, What got my attention 
was the mention that they can't get hold of cheaper drugs 
because of patent laws preventing others from supplying 
the drugs at a price they can afford - so the children
might die.

    Now I've mentioned before that patents on software
might have an adverse affect on essential services such
as the police, and medical services. Do we really want
patents that may put life-saving software beyond
the reach of those who need it most ?

Regards,

Nick Fleming.