The article discusses the importance of patients having access to essential medicines, especially in developing countries. It argues that patients have a right to access these medicines as part of their right to health. High medicine prices in developing countries limit this access, partly due to pharmaceutical companies holding patents on new medicines. The article highlights the link between patent protection and patients' ability to afford necessary medications. This issue has gained attention after the TRIPS Agreement set minimum standards for intellectual property rights, including patents, affecting access to medicines as a human rights issue.