|
Importation of Canadian
drugs illegal, risks public health, says Bailey
Importing unchecked and
possibly unsafe illegal prescription drugs into Washington from Canada
not only breaks federal law, it also risks the health and safety of our
state’s citizens and is bad public policy,
Rep. Barbara Bailey
said
today.
Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, was
responding to House Bill 1194 which seeks to allow the state to buy
prescription drugs from Canada. Bailey voted against the measure, noting
that the bill provides false promises with real risks to the public.
"This legislation would
require Washington to break federal law. The federal government has made
it very clear that it is not going to look the other way while we break
the laws that protect the safety of U.S. consumers," said Bailey,
ranking Republican member on the House Health Care Committee.
"The federal laws are in
place for a good reason. Some imported medicines coming through Canada
are made using very unsafe procedures. Some have dangerous or addictive
ingredients. Some imported medicines are fake. And many have not been
checked for safety or effectiveness," she added. "These bills gamble
with the health of our citizens. We can do better than putting their
safety at risk."
Bailey also voiced her
concern over the liability of the issue.
"Are we prepared to stand
behind the safety and quality of drugs purchased outside the United
States?" asked Bailey. "Authorizing the purchasing of drugs from Canada
will make the taxpayers of our state liable for any harm caused by these
products which come with no guarantees of quality or safety. What will
we say to family members the first time imported Canadian drugs harm
someone or claim a life? This is a lawsuit waiting to happen."
Bailey noted that Canada
has already indicated it may close its borders if the demand for
importation of its drugs jeopardizes its supply.
"This bill is based on
flawed policies that put Washingtonians at risk. What we really need is
a consumer-driven health care system that provides more affordable
health care coverage. That includes removing mandates that have driven
up the cost of health care, reducing liability premiums that will keep
health care providers in business, providing Health Savings Accounts to
help families stretch their dollars, and allowing the private market to
compete and offer more choices to the consumer. That’s the real answer
here," said Bailey.
The measure passed the
House, 56-42. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.
# # #
For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
|