296. The representative of Australia noted the absence of the voice of potential importing countries in the discussions, and the identification by such countries of obstacles or alternatives to the use of the System. This would be an essential contribution that would greatly facilitate the Council's work in its review of the System. Her delegation supported Canada's proposal that consultations on next steps be held by the Chair. These could include holding a workshop, provided that it were sufficiently broad to allow meaningful and frank discussions of all the issues related to access to medicines. The issues to be considered went beyond the narrow question of intellectual property rights and included aspects in the field of government procurement, supply chains and gender issues.
