NACDS Testifies Against the Importation of Prescription Drugs
WASHINGTON - The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) and several pharmaceutical manufacturers testified here Monday against legal importation of low-cost prescription drugs.
In his testimony before a government task force created by Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson, NACDS s.v.p. and general council S. Lawrence Kocot stated that while NACDS supports access to low-cost prescription drugs, it does not support importing drugs from Canada or other foreign sources.
He stated that these drugs lower cost because they are free from stringent federal and state safety policies and licensing requirements, which places consumers at risk.
Also, Kocot pointed out that drug importation schemes promote unfair competition against American pharmacies, since foreign pharmacies do not have to pay U.S. taxes, are not subject to federal and state consumer protection laws, and do not have to comply with stringent federal and state license requirements and U.S. safety standards.
In his testimony before a government task force created by Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson, NACDS s.v.p. and general council S. Lawrence Kocot stated that while NACDS supports access to low-cost prescription drugs, it does not support importing drugs from Canada or other foreign sources.
He stated that these drugs lower cost because they are free from stringent federal and state safety policies and licensing requirements, which places consumers at risk.
Also, Kocot pointed out that drug importation schemes promote unfair competition against American pharmacies, since foreign pharmacies do not have to pay U.S. taxes, are not subject to federal and state consumer protection laws, and do not have to comply with stringent federal and state license requirements and U.S. safety standards.