This report focuses on access to medicines in the context of the right-to-health framework, analysing challenges and good practices. The substantive issues discussed include local production of medicines, price regulations, medicines lists, procurement, distribution, rational and appropriate use, and quality of medicines. The report raises concerns about the lack of procurement of certain medicines, including drugs for palliative care and for the treatment of drug dependence, due to cultural or legal considerations and the criminalization of the activities of drug users. The SR recommends that states ensure access to essential medicines for palliative care and drug dependence treatment, based on health needs and medical evidence and not constrained by non-health considerations.
Citation: Anand Grover, 'Report of the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health' (2013) A/HRC/23/42