Health minister says Canada will ban bulk export of prescription drugs
06/29/2005 12:34:02 PM
Posted: Wednesday, June 29, 2005
TORONTO (AP) -- Canada intends to ban the bulk of export prescriptions to the United States and other countries to try to control Internet pharmacies, the health minister said Tuesday.
Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh said he must ensure Canadians continue to have access to an adequate supply of safe and affordable prescription drugs and would launch initiatives, including legislative and regulatory changes, to protect the supply and safety of Canada's drugs.
Sales of the drugs have become popular with Americans seeking cheaper medicine.
President Bush's administration opposes the prescription drug imports, and federal regulators warn they cannot guarantee the safety of drugs from outside U.S. borders.
But Canada has dismissed concerns about the safety of drugs sold in Canada, saying Canada's regulatory regime was tougher than the U.S. one.
Drugs sold via the Internet often go for much less than in the United States.
As part of its socialized medical system, the Canadian government sets drug prices that are lower than those charged in the United States.
AP-CS-06-29-05 1330EDT
Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh said he must ensure Canadians continue to have access to an adequate supply of safe and affordable prescription drugs and would launch initiatives, including legislative and regulatory changes, to protect the supply and safety of Canada's drugs.
Sales of the drugs have become popular with Americans seeking cheaper medicine.
President Bush's administration opposes the prescription drug imports, and federal regulators warn they cannot guarantee the safety of drugs from outside U.S. borders.
But Canada has dismissed concerns about the safety of drugs sold in Canada, saying Canada's regulatory regime was tougher than the U.S. one.
Drugs sold via the Internet often go for much less than in the United States.
As part of its socialized medical system, the Canadian government sets drug prices that are lower than those charged in the United States.
AP-CS-06-29-05 1330EDT
Story Comments
Read More and Post Comments 0 comment(s)
Please note: The following are comments from readers. In no way do they represent the views of The Sioux City Journal or Lee Enterprises. We will not edit or alter your comments, but we do reserve the right to not post or to remove comments that violate our code of conduct. No comment may contain potentially libelous statements; obscene, explicit or racist language; personal attacks, insults or threats. Terms of Service
More Latest News Headlines
- White House to endorse most of WMD commission's changes
- Blair defends Iraq war, dismisses question on so-called Downing Street memo
- Woman pleads guilty to causing son's death by not treating his diaper rash
- Debate hinges on condoms' effectiveness at protecting against STDs
- Iraqis divided over U.S. president's rejection of troop withdrawal timetable
