Senate Lifts Ban on Importing Foreign Medications - Brief Article

AORN Journal, Nov, 2000

In mid-July, the US Senate lifted a ban on importing prescription medication, according to a July 21, 2000, news release from NewsEdge Corp. The lift comes in response to complaints that American consumers pay more for prescription medication than foreign consumers.

"The American public wants affordable medicines," said Sen Edward Kennedy (D-Mass). "I believe we should do all we can to reduce the financial burden imposed on our citizens by high drug costs."

Other legislators believe lifting the ban is risky. Sen John Breaux (D-La) said that certifying medications from abroad would be too much for the already overburdened US Food and Drug Administration.

The House of Representatives has passed similar measures as well. In one provision, the House will allow Americans to bring prescription medications across the border from Mexico and Canada.

According to the release, the debate draws heavy opposition from the pharmaceutical industry. Alan Holmer, president of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, said, "[The action] could jeopardize patient safety and would not ensure any savings for consumers."

Senate OK s Prescription Imports (Washington, DC: NewsEdge Corporation, July 21, 2000) 1-3. Available from http:/www.individual.com/fr.../story.shtml? story =h0720013.800&level13=552&date=2000072. Accessed 21 July 2000.