In order to get large pharmaceutical companies behind Obamacare, including getting the drug companies to advertise, the Obama administration cut a deal, among other things, that the re-importation of drugs would not generally be permitted.
Unlike some issues, there are legitimate points on each side of the issue, the simplistic demagoguery of Obama and many Democrats notwithstanding.
But a deal is a deal, right?
Well I guess Big Pharma didn’t get it in writing, or didn’t listen carefully enough. What Obama apparently meant was that drug re-importation would not be part of this legislation.
David Axelrod just announced that drug re-importation, however, would be part of the next piece of legislation and will be an administration priority:
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, a key White House ally in the healthcare reform push, has lobbied heavily against re-importation, though, and would likely not support the final bill if it was included in the package.
Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union,” David Axelrod, Obama’s top political aide, said the White House still favors drug re-importation and wants to move forward on it.“Let me be clear. The president supports re-importation. As he said, safe re-importation of drugs into this country. There’s no reason why the Americans should pay a premium for pharmaceuticals that people in other countries pay less for,” Axelrod said. “We will move forward on it.”
CNN’s John King countered, “Just not in this healthcare reform?”
“Yes,” Axelrod said. “The president is committed to move forward once we resolve the issues that the [Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] has. That is his responsibility, to protect the American people.”
How foolish for so many to have cut deals to push forward this horrible legislation thinking that one would obtain some sort of permanent immunity. The AMA’s deal on doctor reimbursements already has been cast aside even prior to passage, now Big Pharma’s deal will fall soon after passage.
Whose deal is next for a stab in the back?
Nebraska, I hope.
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