Public health emergency or opportunity to profit? The two faces of the COVID-19 pandemic

Type Journal Article Author May CI van Schalkwyk Author Nason Maani Author Martin McKee URL https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(21)00001-2/abstract Series Comment Volume 9 Issue 2 Pages 61-63 Publication The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology ISSN 2213-8587, 2213-8595 Date 05/01/2021 Extra Publisher: Elsevier PMID: 33417836 Journal Abbr The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology DOI 10.1016/S2213-8587(21)00001-2 Library Catalog www.thelancet.com Language English Abstract “Never let a good crisis go to waste”.1 The exploitation of disasters by those in powerful positions is not a modern phenomenon. For centuries, multinational corporations have demonstrated a remarkable ability to turn the misfortunes of others into opportunities for lucrative gains. In the 17th century, the English and Dutch East India Companies, among others, were at the forefront of the European colonial expansion, seeking opportunities to exploit cheap labour and natural resources in foreign lands. Short Title Public health emergency or opportunity to profit?