Want cheaper drugs? Common wisdom sends many people to Canada, where the sky-high rates that the drug companies charge U.S. customers aren't quite so much in evidence. It's also a recommendation from Gov. Jim Doyle as he searches for a way to provide cheaper drugs to the people of Wisconsin, despite federal regulations to the contrary.
Following an announcement that the state's Web site on prescription drugs would be expanded this week, the federal government, in the form of a Food and Drug Administration official, has warned Doyle against his plan to link to Canadian pharmacies. The Web site is to be based on one already set up for Minnesota citizens, that links to two pharmacies that have been examined by state regulators and decreed safe. Citizens can download order forms from the Web site and either fax or mail them-they cannot order via the Internet. The web address of each company is provided, though the site does not provide a clickable link. This may be the loophole Minnesota Governor Tom Pawlenty is counting on to avoid the full wrath of the FDA, which has so far made some ineffectual threats to take action, but has yet to make a move.
Doyle first promised to create the Wisconsin site, with links to Canada, in December, during his State of the State speech. But his actions proved to be more timid than his words. The Web site went up, but not the connections. Instead, where links would be, there is a statement about the federal governments ban on prescription drug importation and asking individuals to sign an e-petition and write to federal officials to show support for lifting the ban. It is the FDA's lack of action against Minnesota which has prompted Doyle to believe he can move forward.
Other Wisconsin politicians have been a bit braver: State Representatives Mark Pocan D-Madison, and Frank Boyle D-Superior have provided a link at MarkPocan.net to the Minnesota site, and thus to the Canadian pharmacies. From there, Wisconsin's citizens can easily use the contact information and follow instructions to order their own, less expensive prescriptions. Doyle should stop hesitating and finish Wisconsin's site in the same fashion.
Federal officials claim the ban on drug importation is an FDA regulation issue, since the FDA is unable to guarantee the safety of drugs they haven't approved, but it appears to be more about patent law. Pharmacies north of the border are selling and distributing the same drugs as those in Wisconsin, just merely at cheaper prices.
The high cost isn't the fault of local pharmacies or even chains like Walgreens, but of a flawed pharmaceutical system. Most research and development of drugs happens in the United States because the government is willing to subsidize the drug companies. Once new innovations are made, other countries approve and sell the drugs, but refuse to pay the high prices which Eli Lilly, Glaxo-Smith Kline and their brethren want. The U.S. government, however, refuses to put any price controls on drugs here, which leaves companies free to charge exorbitant prices which even HMOs generally won't cover completely-and pity the soul without access to health coverage. Because of \Europe's free ride,"" the American taxpayer first subsidizes development and then pays for it again. It's a system that will have to collapse eventually, especially if any U.S. government decides that affordable healthcare really is a priority, but until it does ordinary citizens will have to turn to places like Canada if they want cheaper drugs.
Doyle wants the FDA to work to provide better deals on drugs. The FDA's main interest appears to be protecting the profits of the drug manufacturers rather than ensuring that the average citizen has access to affordable prescriptions. Go to http://drugsavings.wi.gov and sign the petition the site links to, but also contact Doyle and tell him to follow Pawlenty's lead and put Wisconsin's site fully online. If the two are serious about a partnership between the states in this matter, they should start now.
Canada is not a Third World nation with a drug supply of questionable quality and safety. It's selling the same drugs for less money, and the people of Wisconsin deserve access to them via reputable pharmacies examined by the state. Doyle should quit hesitating and follow through on his promise, even if it means flaunting the FDA.
