I not buying into the author’s analysis. Selling at variable cost on an ad hoc basis for overruns is OK. When it is part of the permanent pricing plan, it is discriminatory. Do I hear predatory pricing against the US citizens? Stop selling to Canadians unless they pick a good share of the development costs. If Canada doesn’t like it, let Canada develop their own drug industry and recoup the development costs from their own citizens.
The drug companies could do the same thing here in the United States as they are doing in Canada, they could sell the drugs at the variable cost to state welfare agencies, Medicaid and Medicare.
It rips our moral senses. This is case where the federal government is legitimately needed, unfortunately they always do the wrong thing. The US should tax the exports to Canada at a level that makes the two prices equal. Just my gut reaction anyway, not claiming to be an expert.
I have a relative who purchases a specific medication in Canada because there is no generic yet available in the US. The so-called Canadian generic is made in India and in fact violates the drug company’s patent. I guess that’s not illegal in India? They don’t recognize our patents? Obviously the Canadians do not.
I'm not either simply because he doesn't know what he's talking about.
What makes Americans think that pharmaceutical companies are American? Pharmaceuticals are multinationals who seek the best tax breaks , the best grants , the best University research in every country . The best deal .
Canadian drug purchases are limited to the average of the prices for the same drugs charged in 5 countries . France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, U.K. and the U.S . There is also a R&D factor based on R&D done in Canada and the granting of 20 year Canadian patents.
Unlike the US , Canada does not have drug advertising in the media . The budget for drug advertising in the US is larger than the R&D budget in the US. Americans are paying the highest prices and are the largest users of drugs in the world .
Canada has a single payer system . Governments do not own hospitals nor do they employ doctors or their staff. Thirty three million Canadians benefit from Canada health care. Over 50 million Americans from Medicare and Medicaid. Americans excuse Medicare and Medicaid and call them a welfare program . Some how , in the American world , a welfare program isn't socialism . Amazing.