Canada Wants Bulk Drug Export Ban

Country Looks To Protect Supply, Stop Americans From Easily Buying

(CBS/AP) 
"In light of potential American legislation legalizing the bulk import of Canadian prescription and other medications, our priority must be the health and safety of all Canadians and the strength of our health care system," Dosanjh said. "We must be proactive in making sure that the supply of affordable prescription medications remains stable and sufficient to meet the needs of Canadians.

Some worry the long-anticipated move could kill a $700 million industry that has become increasingly popular with underinsured American patients.

The Bush administration opposes the prescription drug imports, and federal regulators warn they cannot guarantee the safety of drugs from outside U.S. borders.

But Canada has dismissed concerns about the safety of drugs sold in Canada, saying Canada's regulatory regime was tougher than the U.S. one.

As part of its socialized medical system, the Canadian government sets drug prices that are lower than those charged in the United States.

Under current practice, a prescription from a U.S. doctor is faxed to a Canadian doctor, who reviews the document along with the patient's health history. The Canadian doctor will then sign and fax the prescription to a so-called Internet pharmacy, which ships the drug to the patient.

Canadian officials say such sales endanger the Canadian drug supply, although they acknowledge no shortages currently exist.

The government also maintains it is unethical for doctors to sign prescriptions without examining patients and Dosanjh said the definition of patient-physician relationship had to be firmed up.

That could be the most stinging move the Canadians make, Brzezinski reports. The most troubling thing about going north to get lower-priced drugs is the specter of requiring Canadian doctors to actually write all the prescriptions.

Legislation requiring a doctor-patient relationship for cross-border prescription sales could mean that all Americans seeking drugs in Canada would have to cross the border to see a Canadian doctor.