Senate Rejects Personal Importation of Canadian Drugs

October 21, 2011

Senators that were in favor of allowing individuals to purchase drugs from Canada in 2009 now opposed to it

In a 45-55 vote, the Senate rejected an amendment by Senator David Vitter (R-LA) that would have allowed individuals to purchase drugs from Canada. This would have allowed individuals to purchase drugs at a reduced cost. The argument against allowing individuals to do so was based o the US Food and Drug Administration does not inspect Canadian manufacturing plants or approve their labeling. Lobbying by the US pharmaceutical industry lobby was vehemently opposed to the measure. On a side note, 14 democratic senators that voted against this bill actually voted in favor of essentially the same bill in 2009 that would allow for importation of pharmaceuticals for personal use.

More on this story can be found in the October 21, 2011 NAHU Newswire.

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