Yes. Most countries have a system for compulsorily purchasing a patent if it's deemed in the public interest. With the 2001 anthrax attacks, the US government

Yes. Most countries have a system for compulsorily purchasing a patent if it's deemed in the public interest. With the 2001 anthrax attacks, the US government ordered Bayer to lower the cost of an antibiotic that treats anthrax, or lose their patent on the drug. (Bayer complied.)