Support for Rx drug importation
posted Thu, 29 Sep 2011We at RxRights were pleased to see this recent editorial in The Free Press (Mankato, MN) in support of prescription drug importation. Lee Graczyk wrote and submitted a response to the piece and we decided to share it with our readers here:
Dear editor,
I’m writing in response to your September 25, 2011 editorial, “Both parties restrain free market on medicine.” I was pleased to see your frank discussion about prescription drug importation
This is a serious issue that rarely enters into the public domain. The fact is that millions of Americans are struggling with the exorbitant cost of prescription drugs. We hear from people every day who have turned to importation because they simply can’t afford the price of their medicines at home.
As the article indicates, the importation of prescription drugs is not technically legal. However, it is important to note that the FDA has, for years, allowed people to import small quantities (90-day supplies) of prescription drugs for personal use. They are wisely looking the other way in this case to avoid negative fallout. Imagine the uproar that would occur if grandma and grandpa got arrested for buying their needed medications!
It is also worth mentioning that the recent Google settlement was not directed at legitimate Canadian pharmacies that sell safe medicines to American consumers. Google was fined for allowing advertisements from rogue online pharmacies and sellers of fake and counterfeit medicines.
The RxRights Coalition works to promote and protect American access to affordable medicine. We are currently urging Americans to stand up and speak out to protect access to safe, affordable drug importation. Find out more on our website: www.RxRights.com.
Again, thank you for the thought-provoking article. I hope that it helps to start a more serious dialogue about this critical issue.
Sincerely,
Lee Graczyk
RxRights Lead Organizer