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All Drug Shipments From
Canada to US May Be Halted
posted November 30, 2004
Canadian Health Minister, Ujjal
Dosanjh, said ‘'We certainly cannot be the drugstore for the United States of
America.'
As more and more Americans buy their drugs from Canadian pharmacies, authorities
in Canada are becoming so concerned about domestic supplies that a top official
said the Canadian government may halt shipments to the US if the trade continues
to grow.
Some large pharmaceutical companies have been stopping supplies to Canadian
wholesalers they reckon are supplying prescription drugs to US individuals.
Ujjal Dosanjh added ''We in Canada need to make sure we don't jeopardize our own
situation."
Although purchasing drugs from Canada is illegal for Americans, the FDA has
turned a blind eye to this activity. For many of America's unsinsured, and there
are 48 million of them, buying prescription drugs from Canada can mean paying
from 20% to 80% less.
When asked whether Canada should increase its prices so that it becomes less
attractive for US buyers, Ujjal Dosanjh said ‘The issue that you have in the US
is a domestic issue.'
How big is the Canada to US sales of prescription drugs?
It is estimated to be between $1.3bn to $1.7bn. Cross border trade is about $700
to $1bn. Internet sales are about $800 million. The business is growing fast.
Ujjal Dosanjh added that Canada can manage current levels of trade. However, if
state purchasing programs kicked in, Canada's domestic supply would be affected.
Dosanjh said ''If they try and contain this situation in the US, we may not have
to take any action. The trade may die off by itself. If there are laws passed to
allow or encourage bulk imports from Canada to the US, we will have to act at
that point."
Over the last couple of years, American health related problems have become more
frequent headlines. The list includes the flu vaccine fiasco, rocketing price
hikes for prescription drugs, the rising number of uninsured people, the obesity
epidemic. The impression abroad is of a country that is losing its grip on the
nation's health.
Source: Diabetes In Control.com.
November 2004 News Article Index
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