Canada has just announced a ban on the mass export of prescription drugs overseas, days before an US plan that would allow certain medications to be transported over the border in order to lower prices for Americans was due to come into effect. Specifically, the ban stated certain drugs “intended for the Canadian Market” are prohibited from being “distributed for consumption” outside of the country. President Trump had signed an executive order in July which attempted to tackle extortionate drug prices set by pharmaceutical companies by sanctioning the import of prescription medication from Canada where prices are lower, though still above the global average.
The Canadian health minister Patty Hajdu explained that this ban was put into place in order to prevent further drug shortages in the country. “Drug shortages remain a global challenge and covid-19 has increased demand for certain drugs”, Hajdu explained in a statement. This was followed by an assurance that “The Government of Canada remains steadfast in its efforts to ensure Canadians have access to the medications they need, when they need them”. This echoes sentiments expressed by the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, in a statement released roughly a month after Trump signed the aforementioned deal. He stated that whilst Canada was happy to assist foreign nations if possible, his priority would always be protecting Canadian citizens first.
The current President-elect Joe Biden had also previously mentioned importing drugs from foreign countries in his strategy to bring down the cost of prescription medication in the US.
Written by Emily Jenkins
Artwork by Zara Masood
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