All Drug Shipments From Canada to US May Be Halted

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.

Editors Note: It seems strange that the most successful country in the world, where most of the drugs are developed and produced, has to go to Canada to get our prescriptions filled?.

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DID YOU KNOW:

Families Who Eat Out Pass Up Fruits and Veggies. Parents who frequently eat out are also less likely to have fruits and vegetables available at home. Research at Saint Louis University finds that families who eat out are more likely to skimp on the fruits and vegetables. The more often parents eat out, the lower their intake of fruits and vegetables. Parents who frequently eat out are also less likely to have fruits and vegetables available at home.

American Public Health Association conference, Nov 2004