‘CNMI can benefit tremendously from imported drugs’

Although it is currently not allowed here, the CNMI could benefit tremendously if it chooses to import drugs from countries like Canada, according to Commonwealth Health Center director of pharmacy Anthony E. Raho.

Raho admitted that some branded medicines may be significantly cheaper in Canada than in the United States.

He warned, though, that the potential savings this will provide consumers could have an adverse effect on the U.S. drug industry itself.

“The drug industry in the U.S. currently bears a disproportionate share of the burden of new drug development that happens throughout the world,” said Raho.

He said the industry needs to fund research for tomorrow’s new medicines through the cost of today’s drugs.

“These costs cannot be recouped in countries where there are government controls on drug pricing. [Funding for research] increases prescription drug costs that [in turn] become a burden to U.S. consumers,” he said.

Raho said that, if consumers are looking for non-branded drugs, generic medication is always a cheaper alternative. He said a number of U.S. generic medicines are in fact cheaper than their generic counterparts in Canada.

The importation of drugs from countries other than the United States is currently outlawed in the CNMI, as Public Law 11-40 states that it is illegal to import medications into the CNMI from sources that are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Raho also said Canada itself is looking at the potential negative impact drug exportation to the U.S. market can have on its economy.

“Canada is taking measures against drug re-importation because it reduces the availability of pharmaceuticals and raises prices for Canadians,” he said.

Raho also said no less than Canadian Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh has said that Canada cannot be the drug store for the United States. Dosanjh said 80 percent of the nation’s pharmacies had shortages of medicines, citing a 2004 Canadian Pharmacists Association survey.

“If, in the future, laws are enacted that allow the U.S. FDA to approve medications re-imported or even manufactured in countries outside of the U.S., then these specific medications would be allowable in the CNMI as set forth in Public Law 11-40,” Raho said. (Marconi Calindas)