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OREGON LAWMAKERS URGE SEC. THOMPSON TO APPROVE GOVERNOR'S DRUG
REIMPORTATION PLAN
September 9, 2004
WASHINGTON, DC-Several
Oregon lawmakers today sent a letter to Department of Health and
Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson, asking that he expeditiously
approve Oregon's Pioneer Prescription Drug Project, a plan proposed
by Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski which permits Oregon pharmacists
to reimport drugs from licenced and inspected Canadian drug wholesalers.
The signers-Senator Ron Wyden, and Reps. Peter DeFazio, Darlene
Hooley, David Wu and Earl Blumenauer-hope for speedy approval
of the drug reimportation plan which could significantly reduce
the costs of pharmaceuticals for all Oregonians.
"Oregonians
desperately need relief from the debilitating costs of pharmaceutical
drugs," said DeFazio. "While reimportation is not a
panacea, it will help ease the stress on seniors and others who
can't afford to fill their prescriptions and pay their bills every
month. The Bush administration, in concert with well-connected
drug companies have resorted to scare tactics, claiming reimported
drugs from Canada are unsafe. The truth is that the drug supply
chain in Canada is safer and more closely regulated than the drug
supply chain in the U.S. Since Secretary Thompson agreed that
drug reimportation was 'inevitable,' I hope he will break from
the usual scare tactics and quickly approve this plan."
"This proposal
can literally be a life-saver for thousands of Oregonians, who
will receive both real savings and an additional measure of safety
when they buy the medicines they need," said Wyden. "It's
also vital that under the Oregon plan, the pharmacist's role in
managing patient care and safety will be preserved. This would
be a positive step forward for the health of folks across the
state."
"It's
outrageous that Americans continue to pay higher prices for the
same prescription drugs than anywhere else in the world,"
said Blumenauer. "Under the Governor's plan, Oregonians would
see some relief. The administration should quit its foot dragging
and approve the Oregon plan without delay."
"Oregonians
can't afford the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs here
at home," said Hooley. "But they also can't afford trips
to Canada to keep their medicine cabinets stocked with the lifesaving
drugs they require at prices they can afford. The governor's plan
will ensure that Oregonians have local access to the medicines
that they need at more affordable prices."
"Oregonians
deserve the opportunity to purchase prescription drugs in a way
that ensures safety and reduces their costs," said Wu. "The
Oregon Pioneer Prescription Drug Project does this. I urge Secretary
Thompson to approve this innovative, safe and cost savings project
"
(The
text of the letter follows)
September 9,
2004
The Honorable
Tommy Thompson
Secretary
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, DC 20201
Dear Secretary
Thompson:
We urge you to expeditiously approve Oregon''s Pioneer Prescription
Drug Project, outlined in Governor Kulongoski''s August 12, 2004
letter to you.
The Oregon Project
would permit only Oregon pharmacists to purchase drugs from Canadian
pharmaceutical wholesalers licensed and inspected by the Oregon
Board of Pharmacy (OBP) to assure standards for reimportation
specified in Section 1121 of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement
and Modernization Act of 2003 have been met. In addition, the
proposal will ensure cost savings by only including pharmaceuticals
for which reimportation would result in savings.
As you know,
many consumers, including Oregonians, are already purchasing their
drugs through the Internet or other unregulated means. The Oregon
Project will assure the health and safety of Oregonians through
a regulated importation system.
As you may also
know, Oregon has long been at the forefront in developing innovative
solutions to public policy challenges, and the Oregon Project
is no exception. We look forward to working with you to ensure
the success of Oregon's Pioneer Prescription Drug Project, and
urge approval so Oregon may implement this proposal swiftly.
Sincerely,
RON WYDEN
U.S. Senator
PETER
DeFAZIO
Member of Congress
EARL BLUMENAUER
Member of Congress
DARLENE HOOLEY
Member of Congress
DAVID WU
Member of Congress
