Canada Challenges U.S. to Block Cheap Drug Flow

[Spazito]

OTTAWA (Reuters) - The Canadian government has challenged the United States to block the flow of cheap prescription drugs from Canada if it thinks it is a problem, a senior health official said on Thursday.



The challenge was made in discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (news - web sites) as controversy swirls over the idea of U.S. seniors, cities and states filling their prescription needs in Canada.


"We have reminded the United States that they have responsibilities and they have authorities within their own country to stop the importatation of products within their own country, and have reminded them of their responsibilities in that regard," the official told a media conference call.

<snip>

Meanwhile, Canada has reinforced to the FDA that its drugs are safe and has asked it to provide evidence of any products coming in through Canada that do not meet Canadian regulations.

more

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=840&e=13&u=/nm/canada_health_usa_col

[el_gato]

1. cool

the U.S. is losing credibility everyday
it seems like people are starting to see the * admin as a paper tiger.
is it just my imagination?

[GainesT1958]

2. I'd hate to be on the Bush FDA's side...

And argue in FAVOR of Americans paying 200% markup on prescription drugs!:mad:

It's pretty bad when we're forced to rely on the Canadian Government to look after U.S. consumers! :eyes:

B-)

[Sufi Marmot]

3. Question:

Are Canadian drugs cheaper because of lower labor costs and the difference in value between the US and Canadian dollar, or does the Canadian government negotiate/mandate price/profit ceilings on drugs sold in Canada? Just curious....


-SM

[Spazito]

4. I believe they are negotiated costs and caps

and I am sure the lower dollar adds to it although the value of the dollar has increased due to to fall of the US dollar.

[qwertyMike]

5. The Canadian government

isn't owned by the Pharmaceutical Lobby.

You guys are being gouged.

[Dubyawatchers]

7. Partial Answer

I've read the same things elsewhere, just happened to have this link handy from yesterday.


N.Y. mayor seeks boycott of Canada by drug firms

http://theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20031030.udrug1030/BNStory/National/

--snip--
Canadian government policies set guidelines for the entry prices of new drugs and limit price increases of existing prescription medications to the rate of inflation. Further price differences result from the lower Canadian dollar and lower prices negotiated by institutional Canadian drug buyers.

--snip--
Mr. Bloomberg said America consumers are forced to pay more because U.S.-based pharmaceutical firms need to recover lost profits in countries like Canada that have price controls.

[Not a robought]

8. Countries like say Canada which has

one tenth the size of the US economy, are going to make or break the profits of American pharmaceutical firms?

Ahhh<bullshit>choo! I think I'm catching something that is totally besides the point.

[Spazito]

9. Mayor Bloomberg seems to be talking out of both sides of his mouth...

NYC Mayor: Canada Drugs Could Save State $643 Mln

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York State could save $643 million a year by buying prescription drugs from Canada for Medicaid patients, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said on Wednesday.

<snip>

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich joined the mayor at a City Hall news conference, where Bloomberg signed the Democratic governor's electronic petition to the FDA calling on it to reverse its opposition.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20031029/hl_nm/economy_newyorkcity_drugs_dc_1

[Voltaire99]

6. But...but... Americans want..."choice" in health care!

We don't want to be told we have to buy cheaper drugs! Choosing to pay corrupt big pharma is our GOP-given right!