US Senators warn free trade may up Australian drug prices

[Judi Lynn]

Last Update: Tuesday, January 20, 2004. 9:36am (AEDT)


US Senators warn free trade may up Australian drug prices
Nine influential US Democrats have written to President George W Bush "to express serious concerns" over key elements of the free trade agreement (FTA) which appear designed to increase drug prices in Australia.

For its part, the Federal Government will not declare the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) out of bounds just yet, but it is indicating it shares some of the US Democrats' concerns.

Labor's trade spokesman Stephen Conroy says the Federal Government should sit up and take notice.

"This is the leader of the US Democrats in the US Congress, these are serious players in US politics, and they are concerned about the direction of the American negotiators and the possible consequences for not just health policy in their own country, but health policy in Australia," he said.

"They're flagging they're not prepared to give up the right to legislate health policy in the US and Australia should be demanding the same."

The US Democrats are privy to their country's FTA proposal, but say they cannot quote details because it has not been made public.
(snip/...)

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/s1028122.htm

[Sugarbleus]

1. the "RIP" heard round the world..........

I hope someone can stop this insanity. Fight back Australia!