Democrats introduce legislation to allow pharmaceutical imports

U.S. consumers are asking why they cannot legally buy pharmaceutical drugs that have been manufactured in Canada, especially if the drugs meet U.S. standards and are available at a fraction of the price.

Some Democrats in Congress think that’s a good question and have introduced legislation allowing safe, low-cost Canadian drugs. The bill authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue regulations for the import of drugs manufactured at facilities inspected by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and sold by FDA-certified Canadian sellers.

The legislation would also eventually clear the way for medication from other countries that meet U.S. standards.

Drugs purchased under the proposed law must have the same basic characteristics as the version of drugs approved in the United States, reports Modern Health Care. And the proposed law would allow wholesalers and pharmacies, not individuals, to import.

“This is common-sense legislation that will allow middle-class families and seniors access to safe, affordable prescription drugs through importation,” U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Penn., said in a press release. “No family should lack access to prescription drugs simply because of the cost; this legislation will increase competition and help more patients access life-saving drugs.”

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