Nuclear power? Government. First electronic computer? Government.
Furthermore, when it comes to drug discovery, that 'evil government' has one advantage over businesses, because they have no profit motive. Businesses exist to make money. Period.
No business is going to destroy its market for the sake of the common good. If you're in the business of creating drugs, you aren't going to wipe out a disease with a one-time cure, because drugs are expensive to produce, and palliative treatments are way more profitable.
This is exactly an area where governments do better than businesses, because the reward (improving quality of life) means more votes and support for those in office.
