It enforces generic substitution of off-patent medicines. This means that pharmacists must dispense cheaper, bio-equivalent, generic medicines that are not under patent, unless there are exceptional reasons for not doing so. Yes, they establish a legal framework to reduce medicine costs, not only during a crisis, but on a long-term basis. The generic substitution provision will curb a practice that enriches brand-name producers and dispensers, at the patient's expense. A common example that most people will identify with is Panado.
Most pharmacists sell patients the brand-name version of cotrimoxazole, called bactrim.
However, there are cheaper, generic versions available such as Purbac. There are provisions for compulsory licenses in the Patents Act of 1978. The government should immediately request voluntary licenses from the patent holders of opportunistic infection and anti-retroviral medicines. This is the first step towards obtaining compulsory licenses. The pharmaceutical companies have enormous resources.