In the last year, several lawmakers have proposed importing prescription drugs from Canada in an effort to lower U.S. drug costs. As the idea gains momentum in Congress, Canadian health experts are issuing a dire warning: The proposal could destroy Canada's drug market and leave their shelves empty, according to Politico.
Health officials say that attempting to fill prescription needs from U.S. citizen could significantly reduce supplies in Canada, creating shortages and driving up prices. Canadian officials said that the country is also struggling to make drugs affordable for its residents.
"The Canadian shelves would run dry," Steve Morgan, a Canadian health economist who has advised the government on pricing reform, told Politico.
In the past, the drug industry has cited the same concerns as justification for blocking drug importation.
However, the idea to import drugs keeps coming forward in Congress. In particular, there are five bills in Congress that propose importing drugs. One is backed by Bernie Sanders, I-Vt, who argues that the drug industry is using fear tactics to prevent importation.
"For years the pharmaceutical industry has tried to scare Canadian officials into thinking that U.S. importers would drain the drug supply in Canada," spokesperson for Mr. Sanders told Politico.
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