Canada has blocked bulk exports of prescription drugs if they would create a shortage at home, in response to outgoing US President Donald Trump's efforts to allow imports from Canada to lower some drug prices for Americans.
'Certain drugs intended for the Canadian market are prohibited from being distributed for consumption outside of Canada if that sale would cause or worsen a drug shortage,' Health Minister Patty Hajdu said in a statement.
'Companies will now also be required to provide information to assess existing or potential shortages, when requested, and within 24 hours if there is a serious or imminent health risk.'
The Canadian measure went into effect on Friday, just days before a US 'Importation Prescription Drugs' rule that would eventually allow licensed US pharmacists or wholesalers to import in bulk certain prescription drugs intended for the Canadian market.
Neither the White House nor the Department of Health and Human Services had an immediate response to a request for comment.
Canada on Saturday blocked bulk exports of prescription drugs if they would create a shortage at home, in response to outgoing US President Donald Trump's efforts to allow imports from Canada to lower some drug prices for Americans. Pictured: Trump meets with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the White House in June 2019
Trump touted the plan in his first debate with President-elect Joe Biden, who has also said during his campaign that he would set up a similar import plan to try to reduce prescription drug costs for Americans.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in September he was willing to help other nations with pharmaceutical supplies if possible, adding that his priority was protecting the needs of Canadians.
Many of Canada's drug suppliers opposed Trump's plan, saying it could lead to shortages.
'Canada is a small market, representing 2% of global drug sales, that sources 68% of its drugs internationally,' Hadju said in Saturday's statement.
'The need for vigilance in maintaining the national drug supply continues.
'Our health care system is a symbol of our national identity and we are committed to defending it.
'The actions we are taking today will help protect Canadians' access to the medication they rely on.'
Canada's Minister of Health Patty Hadju announced the new prescription drug measure on Saturday, saying: 'The actions we are taking today will help protect Canadians' access to the medication they rely on'
Trump's new rule has also faced opposition at home, as a major US lobbying group - the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America - sued his administration over it last week.
The group's lawsuit accuses Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar of violating the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, in part by outsourcing the importation gate-keeping role to state governments, according to Endpoints News.
'It is particularly disturbing that the administration is punting the responsibility for demonstrating safety and cost savings to state governments despite the clear requirement under federal law that the Secretary of HHS must certify that imported drugs both pose no additional risk to public safety and will lead to significant savings for the American consumer,' PhRMA's general counsel James Stansel said in announcing the suit.
The Canadian measure went into effect on Friday, just days before a US 'Importation Prescription Drugs' rule that would eventually allow licensed US pharmacists or wholesalers to import in bulk certain prescription drugs intended for the Canadian market (file photo)
