Join the conversation: Readers’ thoughts on Big Pharma and broken prisons

Welcome to openDemocracy’s weekly reader comments round-up. We receive so many carefully considered messages about our work, it seems a shame to keep them to ourselves!

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These comments have been edited for clarity, accuracy and length, and aren’t necessarily a reflection of openDemocracy's editorial position.

How Big Pharma preys on poor countries – and patients pay the price

Very interesting article on the price of drugs. It would certainly make sense for European countries to negotiate the price of drugs together. In the long run, it would surely make for economies of scale for the drug companies if greater overall quantities of drugs were ordered. –Alison Peace

It preys on all. With very little cures at all. –Anthony Hearn

A shocking and highly important piece that reveals a little-known issue in Europe and possibly beyond. –Judith Vidal-Hall

This is an excellent and informative exposé of Big Pharma pricing mechanisms. It should be read by every health minister and every EU delegate. –Mike Barrett

Read the original article here.

In a pivotal election, Georgia’s opposition must look past Russia vs EU

I have no problem with Georgia's government seeking to limit foreign control of their media. It's very evident that one of the many problems with UK media is the fact that they are predominantly foreign-owned and strongly supportive of US hegemony. Many Georgian citizens will be looking across to Ukraine and see the disaster that has been wrecked on that country by entertaining NATO close to Russian borders, which Russia warned against for many years. Given the USA's strident reaction to Russian missiles being based in Cuba, nearly resulting in WW3, Russia's reaction to NATO doing the same was entirely predictable. In summary, I feel the entire article is written from a very NATO viewpoint. –Lorcan Smith

I believe that we should keep our noses out of other country’s politics. If the people of Georgia wish to forge links with Russia or any other country it has nothing to do with you or me. Quite frankly I can see no advantages being under the EU banner and being continually invaded by illegal foreign forces. –Paula Ronksle

If memory serves, didn’t the Russians invade and take over their country too like they are attempting to do to Ukraine? Russia is an authoritarian regime and that is something the Georgians should never forget. Ukraine is fighting for their freedom. Democracy is fragile and with all the false propaganda out there we need to be more vigilant. –Vee Lavallee

Read the original article here.

Devastation in Gaza poses an increasingly serious problem for Starmer

The biggest problem I perceive we have is that we no longer stand up for people who are being wronged like we did in the Second World War. We make money from sales of weapons, which leads us into killing, genocide and destruction in other countries. Keir Starmer will eventually fail but he may bring the UK down with him – a country that once would have had an objective view of world politics and wanted to do the right things. We need another Jeremy Corbyn or John F Kennedy to fight for us and humanity in the world, I hope we do before this right-wing madness destroys the world. –David

I am neither Muslim nor Jewish but the Gaza situation and the encroachment by settlers on the West Bank is appalling! The government of Israel does not listen, nor ever has listened to anyone else. They seem to be untouchable. I don’t mind Starmer moving to the centre, but I agree he is moving far too much to the right for my peace of mind! I voted tactically for the Liberal Democrats this time. –Laureen Sherry

Read the original article here.

Nearly 100 prison staff sanctioned for ‘inappropriate’ relationships

I don't think Labour will sort out the prison situation. It is far wider than just accommodation. It requires looking at the whole sentencing regime, the potential of alternatives such as support in the community and the shortage of prison staff. To fix all these, Labour will need time and cash. What has taken a long time to evolve will take a long time to sort out, I fear. –Susan Hannis

Labour has taken over a country on its knees. I have felt for a long time this might well be a deliberate, cynical action by the vile Tories – leave the UK in a mess so Labour will have to clear it up from day one, having to deal with current problems with no time or finance to enact any new policies or legislation. Prisons are a prime example: 14 years of neglect, part privatised at great cost, underfunded and in danger of meltdown. Who will get the blame? Labour will try to clear things up but the time taken and the absence of finance means they could be out of government at the next election or the one after. –Arnold Jones

Read the original article here.