The Program in Development Economics (PDE)

of the

University of Philippines School of Economics,

and

Minimal Government Thinkers, Inc.,

are cordially inviting the public to its symposium,

Improving access to health care:

Should government intervene more?

September 17, Wednesday, 2pm

Rm 111, University of the Philippines School of Economics (UPSE)

Diliman, Quezon City, Manila

Speakers:

• Barun Mitra, Director, Liberty Institute, New Delhi, India
• Alec Van Gelder, Network Director, International Policy Network, London, UK
• Dr. Aleli de la Paz-Kraft, Assistant Professor, UPSE, Quezon City, Philippines

MC and Forum Moderator: Dr. Rene Azurin, Professor, UP College of Business Administration, Columnist, BusinessWorld

This symposium will tackle issues on medicine prices, patents and IPR of pharmaceutical products, health financing, socialized health care, plus country experiences in India, UK and the Philippines.

It is open to the public, no registration fee.

Program

2:00      Registration

2:30      Introductory Notes and Introduction of Speakers

            Dr. Ernesto Pernia, Director, PDE

            Mr. Bienvenido Oplas, Jr.., President, MGTI

2:45      Presentations by Mr. Mitra, Mr.Van Gelder, Dr. Kraft

3:45      Open Forum

4:45      Synthesis

4:55      Tokens and appreciation

5:00      Snacks with speakers and special guests

MC and Forum Moderator:  Dr. Rene Azurin

Speakers’ Profile:

Alec Van Gelder is Network Director of the International Policy Network (www.policynetwork.net) in London, UK. He is also the author of "Dirigiste Divide; how Governments obstruct development and access to ICTs" among other publications and his work on trade, health, technology and development issues has been published in many newspapers including: the Globe and Mail, Boston Globe, Business Day, Wall Street Journal and International Herald Tribune.  Alec holds a Master’s degree in International Economics and Development from UCL in Belgium and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Lehigh University in the United States.  He speaks English, Spanish, French and Dutch with fluency.

Barun Mitra is founder and Director of the Liberty Institute  (www.indefenceofliberty.org) in Delhi, India, a non-profit, independent public policy research and educational organisation, dedicated to providing market-based solutions to contemporary public policy issues that enhance freedom of choice for all. He writes on public policy issues with a special interest in development and environment, economics and entrepreneurship, trade and technology, property and intellectual property rights, education and health, democracy and related issues. He has been published in a wide range of national and international newspapers and magazines.

Aleli dela Paz-Kraft is Assistant Professor at the UP School of Economics (UPSE, www.econ.upd.edu.ph). She obtained her PhD from the same institution in 1997. She is actively involved in health sector policy work.

Moderator:

Dr. René Azurin teaches Strategic Management at the UP College of Business Administration. Among his published writings are Power Without Virtue – A Critical Perspective on Philippine Governance, Stationary Bandits – Essays on Political Power, Random Walks and Other Essays (Ruminations of a So-so Manager), and Marginal Notes: Lectures in Business Economics. He also writes an incisive opinion column, “Strategic Perspective”, for the newspaper BusinessWorld where he takes strong positions against the abuse of government power and advocates open markets and minimal government intervention in the economy. He was a member of the 2005 Consultative Commission to propose revisions to the Philippine Constitution and publicly opposed as illogical the majority’s proposal to change the country’s form of government from the current presidential bicameral system to a parliamentary unicameral one. Educated as an engineer, Dr. Azurin was formerly a top business executive. 

Sponsors’ Profile:

Program in Development Economics (PDE) is an academic program of the UP School of Economics offering a two-track program, Diploma in Development Economics (DipDE) and Masters in Development Economics (MDE). It is managed by the Director for Public Affairs of the school.