Is Merck's Donation Of Drugs Morally Acceptable?

Case Response Name Affiliation Case Response Merck’s position as one of the leading pharmaceutical products and service companies in the world is a grand fete whose foundation stands on specific core values. The values embroiled in the company’s vision have a moral understanding that clients or customers all over the world may argue for being acceptable code of conduct in the pharmaceutical industry. The use of corporate funds in the production of Mectizan pills to cure the millions suffering from River Blindness in the Third World countries is indeed an opportunity to make billions in revenue returns. The fact that the company distributes the drugs for free is a gesture of nobility rarely seen in the corporate world. It is an initiative based on the bottom line of the company’s values that humanity comes first before profits. Based on the highlighted underlying facts on the firm’s high-held esteem for preservation of human life, the move is with no doubt morally accepted from all angles of perception. Furthermore, the fact that it did not release it patent for generic production of the drug prevents other companies from exploiting those in need through ridiculous prices. Selfish interests emanate from lobby groups and other influential parties in the United States who would want to cash in on the ground-breaking medical innovation. Despite the enormous pressure from these groups, Merck & Co stood by its moral obligation of improving human life in an ethical manner and with integrity. When all the channels of distribution proved fruitless, the organization felt that it was its moral obligation to offer the drugs for f...