Canada Blocks Export Of Medications In Short Supply In Response To Trump Plan

Posted By TheNewsCommenter: From Npr.org: “Canada Blocks Export Of Medications In Short Supply In Response To Trump Plan”. Below is an excerpt from the article.

Canadian Minister of Health Patty Hajdu, pictured in 2016, announced a new rule in response to a U.S. plan to import drugs from Canada. Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Canadian Minister of Health Patty Hajdu, pictured in 2016, announced a new rule in response to a U.S. plan to import drugs from Canada.

Ahead of an expected surge in U.S. demand for prescription drugs, the Canadian government has blocked the distribution of certain medications outside Canada in order to avoid a shortage within the country.

The Canadian health minister signed an order Friday to limit bulk exports, saying it would help safeguard the country's drug supply. The move comes in response to a new U.S. rule that would let pharmacists or wholesalers import certain prescription drugs in bulk.

The Trump administration announced the rule to much fanfare in September. Surrounded by doctors and nurses, the president promised it would be a "game changer for American seniors." Just weeks ago, Trump said the rule would cut out middlemen who hike up prices, and would let states, wholesalers and pharmacies import drugs directly from Canada, cutting drug prices in half.

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