Federal legislation to limit bulk drug exports

Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh will introduce legislation this fall to amend the Food and Drugs Act, prohibiting the bulk export of pharmaceuticals from Canada when the federal government is aware of any shortages of prescription drugs or vaccines.

“It wouldn't be a permanent ban, it would be a ban only when there is a shortage in terms of our own supply,” Dosanjh told a June 29 news conference in Ottawa.

The US Congress is considering 4 bills that would permit the import of lower-priced prescription drugs from Canada and other countries. These bills have prompted concerns in Canada that a glut of American buyers could create shortages and force up prices.

Health Canada will establish a national database, known as the “drug supply network,” to gather information about drug availability and shortages.

Dosanjh also announced plans to strengthen regulations in the Food and Drugs Act regarding the nature of the doctor–patient relationship. He would not say whether that means Americans seeking to save money by filling prescriptions in Canada would have to see Canadian doctors in person, or whether that relationship could consist of telephone calls or email communication. Health Canada will consult physician and pharmacist associations and other stakeholders before drafting legislation.

CMA President Dr. Albert Schumacher said, “This [consultation] is particularly important when it comes to defining key components of this issue, such as what constitutes an established patient–practitioner relationship.”

The federal government does not intend to kill Canada's $1-billion Internet pharmacy industry, Dosanjh said.