Public health policy

This chapter outlines the policy framework for public health, intellectual property (IP), international trade and competition, focusing on how they intersect with particular emphasis on medical technologies. The framework described comprises the policy, economic and legal features of IP and innovation systems, regulation of medical products, competition policy, and relevant trade policy measures, including import tariffs, rules on trade in services, government procurement, and regional and bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs). In addition, it outlines the human rights dimension of access to medicines.