Canada considering proposal aimed at shutting down Internet pharmacy presc

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05006/437745.stm

Canadian health officials are drafting a proposal to prevent Internet pharmacies from selling mail-order prescription drugs to U.S. consumers, a spokesman said Wednesday, a move that would essentially kill a $700 million industry that has become increasingly popular with patients south of the border.

The three-pronged measure being considered by Canadian Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh would prevent Canadian doctors from countersigning prescriptions for U.S. patients without examining them in person, spokesman Ken Polk said by telephone from India.

It also would prohibit prescriptions for foreigners who are not present in Canada and create a list banning certain drugs that are widely used by Canadians from being exported, Polk told The Associated Press.

A proposal was expected to be presented to Prime Minister Paul Martin's cabinet by the end of the month, Polk said, although Asian tsunami aid efforts were diverting government resources and it was not clear how much time would be required for approval.

[Robbien]

1. This is probably the promise Martin made so that the cow ban would

be lifted. BushCo does nothing for free and he has to keep his drug lobbyists happy.

[tuvor]

3. Well, this industry grew out of a loophole.

We never imported American drugs with an eye toward exporting them back. As far as I know, we only ever imported what was necessary for our population.

That's my understanding, anyway.

[Robbien]

5. Not blaming the Canadians

Why shouldn't you take advantage of an opportunity? Plus it helped many of us who couldn't pay the sky-high prices here.

[durablend]

6. Oh well, what's some more dead people...

Either gonna go from not being able to afford their prescriptions or freeze to death.

The price you pay for voting *.

[tuvor]

8. I didn't take it that way.

Not positive, but I thought that our government had considered closing that loophole a long time ago. Maybe they're just finally getting around to it.

[NVMojo]

2. Translation: When Bush went to Canada after the election ...he bribed or

rubbed significant elbows with several, made significant promises, if they would only stop the internet pharmacy sales ...across national borders ...cuz remember, he said those drugs were bad from Canada during the debates!!!!

[lefty_mcduff]

4. One possible postive note...

A reduction in pharma spam (please, please, please)

[girl gone mad]

7. Americans should still be able to import from New Zealand..

and I have a hunch that NZ would not be nearly as willing to cave to Bush's demands.

[mstrsplinter326]

9. Will create blackmarket and smalltime trafficking. nt