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 Preshow #1 Cost of DrugsReturn to index of stories... |
"WE HATE DRUG COMPANIES AND LOVE DRUG COMPANIES, WE HATE FACT WE HAVE TO PAY HIGH PRICES BUT LOVE THE FACT WE HAVE ACCESS TO AN INCREDIBLE WEALTH OF INVASION." It's a love - hate relationship. We'll be talking about the high cost of prescription drugs and the importation of drugs from Canada. |
| Preshow #2 Guns Hearing Return to index of stories... |
"A GUN WOULD HAVE SAVED MY LIFE." Plus, we'll look at legislation that would eliminate permits for concealed weapons. |
| Hello Return to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to NH Outlook. |
| Intro Cost of Drugs Return to index of stories... |
For some Americans, Canada is more than just a summer vactionland. It's a place where bargains on prescription drugs can be found. Even for some U-S made pharmaceuticals, Americans pay more than Canadians do. To shed some light on why that is, producer Phil Vaughn met with a health policy expert at the University of New Hampshire. |
| Cost of Drugs Return to index of stories... |
Reporter: CAN X A CANDIDATE ABOUT PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS AND YOU'LL GET A ANSWER. I'LL PASS A RESPONSIBLE AND FAIR DRUG BENEFIT FOR SENIORS. THE THIRD CRISIS IS THE SKYROCKETING COST PRESCRIPTION DRUGS. ACCORDING TO THE NOW BI PARTISAN U.S. GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE PRESCRIPTION DRUG SPENDING IS THE FASTEST GROWING COMPONENT OF HEALTH CARE IN THE UNITED STATES AND MANY AMERICANS ARE LIKELY TO PAY MORE TO HAVE A PRESCRIPTION FILLED HERE THAN IN CAN IT MAY WELL BE CHEAPER IF IT'S A PATENT PROTECTED DRUG IN THE UNITED STATES AND THERE IS A COUPLE OF REASONS. FIRST IS PRICE CONTROLS THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT WITH MANY OTHERS AROUND THE WORLD NEGOTIATE WITH U.S. PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES, IF PRICES ARE TOO HIGH THEY CAN TAKE BUSINESS ELSEWHERE SUCH AS ISHA. THEY SAY WE'LL ONLY PAY SO MUCH AND THE SECOND THING HELP TO KEEP DRUG PRICES RELATIVELY FLOW PROVINCES THEY HAVE FORMULAS THE H.M.O. PREFERRED DRUG LIST A FORM LAUGH SELECT DRUGS THEY PERFECT, THEY DON'T PERFECT EVERYTHING TO HELP KEEP PRICES LOW. THE AMERICAN DRUG PRICE. SURPRISES IN RESPONSE TO THAT HAVE TO MAKE UP THE DIFFERENCE TO OTHER MARKETS AND THE MARKETS WHERE THEY TONED MAKE UP THE DIFFERENCE CHARGE AMERICAN PHARMACIES AND DRUG PURCHASERS MORE. Reporter: 25 YEARS AGO FAR FEWER DRUG THERAPYIES EXISTED. BUT THERE WAS A GREATER AWARENESS OF THEIR COST. MORE CONSUMERS THEN PAID THE PHARMACIST DIRECTLY. THAT CHANGED IN THE 80s AND 90s. MOST THAT HAVE SHIFTED FROM THE CONSUMER PAYING FOR DRUGS TO INSURANCE COMPANIES PAYING FOR DRUGS. AND WHEREAS INSURERS ONCE PAID AROUND $7 BILLION FOR DRUGS I THINK IN THE 80s NOW PAYING $80 BILLION FOR DRUGS. Reporter: NOW HOW DO WE START TO GET CONSUMERS TO BECOME A PART THAT HAVE? PURCHASING DECISION? I THINK THIS IS WHERE WE'RE GETTING A LOT OF THE CONSUMER AWARENESS OF PRIRSS BECAUSE SUDDENLY NOW WITH EMPLOYERS SHIFTING THE OWNY WAS INSURANCE TO EMPLOYEES AND WITH INSURANCE PACKAGES SHIFTING THE ONUS FOR PAYING FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS UNDER INSURED INDIVIDUALS PEOPLE ARE MORE AWARE OF YOU MEAN I WAS PAYING THAT MUCH? Reporter: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF NEW LAY PROVED DRUGS COSTS MONEY. A LOT OF MONEY. ACCORDING TO THE GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES IN 2001 IS SPENT ABOUT $30 BILLION. THOSE COSTS TEND TO BE SHOULDERED PRIMARY BY AMERICAN CONSUMERS, FEWER FOREIGN MARKETS ARE WILL TO SHARE IN THE COSTS. IS IT FAIR? MOST PEOPLE WOULD PROBABLY SAY NOT BUT IT'S NOT CLEAR. BUT WE DON'T EVEN TYPICALLY LOOK AT THIS ISSUE ON A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE WHICH IS PROBABLY NECESSARY BUT TONED LOCK AT IT IN A DOMESTIC PERSPECTIVE WHERE WE SEE A CHEAPER PRICE IN CANADA AND THINK WE'LL GO OVER THE BORDER AND BUY IT AT ATHE CHEAPER PRICE. THERE HAVE BEEN CALLS FOR PRICING REGULATIONS RESULTS ARE UB CLEAR PROPONENTS SAY IT WILL REDUCE COSTS OPPONENT STAY WOULD EAT AWAY IMPORTANT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FUNDING. WE HATE AND LOVE DRUG COMPANIES, WE HATE THE FACT WE HAVE TO PAY HIGH PRICES YET LOT OF FACT THAT WE HAVE ACCESS TO AN INCREDIBLE WEALTH OF INVASION IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY WHICH IS GROWING EXPONENTIALLY EVERY YEAR AND IF IT'S SOMETHING THAT AFFECTS US WE WANT IT AVAILABLE AND QUICKLY. SO THOSE TWO DYNAMICS DON'T ALWAYS WORK WELL TOGETHER. I THINK WHEN PEOPLE SAY WE WANT GOVERNMENT REGULATION IN THE DRUG INDUSTRY SOME MIGHT BE WARRANTED, YOU'LL PAY THE PRICE FOR INNOVATION PERHAPS ON THE OTHER SIDE. Reporter: BETWEEN 1997 AND 2001, DOES THE MARKETING HELP? I MEAN, DOES THE PHYSICIAN LUNCHES HELP? AND THERE IS PLENTY OF STORIES OF PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES TRYING TO GET THEIR PRODUCTS IN FRONT OF PHYSICIANS TO THEN PRESCRIBE AND WE HAVE DONE RESEARCH THAT SHOWS THERE IS SOME LEVEL OF PART I DEMAND DRAWINGS USEAGE AND PHYSICIAN PRACTICING PATTERNS DICTATE WHETHER A PRODUCT IS USED NOR NOT BUT THERE HAS BEEN INSTANCES OF MARKETING HELP THE QUALITY OF CARE PROVIDED. FOR YEARS A.A.R.P. WORKED WITH CONGRESS TO ADD A PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFIT TO MEDICARE. ROBERT McGRATH BELIEVES THE NEW MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG LAW COULD BE THE BEGINNING OF CHANGE IN THE COUNTRY. WHAT'S THE RESOLUTION TO BE I THINK YOU'LL SEE THIS PROGRAM PROGRESS THROUGH THE AMERICAN POLITICAL LANDSCAPE AS MANY DO. AND PROBABLY INCREMENTALLY SEE SOME SORT OF POLICY EITHER EMERGE OR PIECED TOGETHER. THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT CHANGES TO THE MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG LAW. TELL CONGRESS TO KEEP THEIR PROMISE. THEY'LL BE A GREAT DEAL OF FOCUS ON COST EFFECTIVENESS OF DRUGS AT LEAST FOR THE LARGE TIER OF MOST COMMONLY USED MOST COSTLY THERAPIES. AND THOSE WILL BE THE FIRST TO COME UNDER SCRUTINY AND RESEARCH WILL BE DONE AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL PROBABLY FUND THE RESEARCH TO BE DONE AND POLICY WILL BE DEVELOPED AROUND THOSE WHETHER A PRICING AND REGULATION POINT HARD TO SAY. Reporter: FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK I'M PHIL VAUGHN. |
| Intro Pharmacy Return to index of stories... |
Wednesday, Governor Craig Benson is expected to release details of his plan to help New Hampshire citizens buy drugs from Canada. But the plan is already meeting resistance from phamacists on both sides of the border. Tuesday, a group of pharmacists held a news conference at the Statehouse. They say the plan to reimport drugs from Canada would raise safety concerns and cause drug shortages for Canadians. |
| Pharmacy Newser Return to index of stories... |
CANADA DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH DRUGS TO SUPPLY THE AMERICAN DEMAND. WE PRODUCE 2% OF WHAT'S ON THE GLOBAL MARKET. THE DEMAND IN THE U.S. IS 50% OF THE TOTAL DEMAND IN THE WORLD A LOT OF THE DRUGS WHERE ARE THEY COMING FROM? IF THE GOVERNOR PROCEEDS WITH HIS PLAN, OUR SUPPLY NETWORKS WILL BE CHOKED VERY QUICKLY. A LOT OF THE DRUGS THAT PEOPLE ARE PURPORTING TO BUY FROM INTERNET OR INTERNATIONAL PHARMACIES ARE ACTUALLY BEING IMPORTED FROM OTHER COUNTRIES. DON'T EXPECT NEW HAMPSHIRE PHARMACISTS TO COUNSEL PATIENTS ON DRUGS THEY PERFECT IN CANADA. IT'S DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT PUTS AT RISK THE HEALTH AND SAFETY VERY CITIZENS THAT THE GOVERNOR WANT TO HELP. THE GOVERNOR IS PUTTING THE HEALTH AND SAFETY NEW HAMPSHIRE CITIZENS AT RISK WITH THIS SCHEME, NOT EVEN THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT WILL GUARANTEE THE SAFETY THESE DRUGS IMPORTED INTO THE UNITED STATES. AND IN FACT, THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT ADVISES ITS OWN CITIZENS AGAINST IMPORTING DRUGS PRIMARILY OUT OF ITS CONCERNS FOR SAFETY AND ADD VOW. EFFICACY. |
| Intro Wendell Return to index of stories... |
A spokesman for the Governor says that while buying drugs over the internet may pose safety concerns - that's NOT what the governor is proposing. He says the governor's plan would connect New Hampshire consumers directly to Canadian pharmacies, so they'd get the same regulated drugs available to Canadians. Wendell Packard also responded to criticism that the plan would shut down independent pharmacies. |
| Wendell Packard Return to index of stories... |
Reporter: A SPOKESMAN SAYS FOR THE GOVERNOR WHILE BUYING DRUGS OVER THE INTERNET POSES SAFETY CONCERNS THAT'S NOT WHAT THE GOVERNOR IS PROPOSING SAYING THE GOVERNOR'S PLAN WOULD CONNECT NEW HAMPSHIRE CONSUMERS DIRECTLY TO CANADIAN PHARMACIES SO THEY WOULD GET THE SAME REGULATED DRUGS AVAILABLE TO CANADIANS. ALSO RESPONDING TO CRITICISM THAT THE PLAN WOULD SHUT DOWN INDEPENDENT PHARMACIES. THE GOVERNOR CONTINUALLY STALLED SMALL BUSINESS TO THE STATE WHAT ABOUT THE AFFECT ON PHARMACISTS? THE GOVERNOR'S RECORD IN TERMS OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IS SECOND TO NONE. HE UNDERSTAND THAT'S THIS PLAN WILL HAVE AN IMPACT ON PHARMACIES, BUT IT'S A ESSENTIAL THAT OUR SENIOR CITIZENS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE SPLITTING THEIR PILLS AND AREN'T TAKING THE MEDICATION PRESIGNED TO THEM THEY CAN'T AFFORD IT GET THE DRUGS THEY NEED. |
| Intro Drugs Discussion Return to index of stories... |
Joining us now to talk more about the impact of buying prescription drugs from Canada - Charlie Arlinghaus of the Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy and Robert Woodward, the Forrest McKerly professor of Health Economics at the University of New Hampshire. Should state governments and municipalities import prescription drugs from Canada? That depends on who you ask? |
| Drugs Discussion Return to index of stories... |
THE GOVERNOR'S RECORD IN TERMS OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IS SECOND TO NONE. HE UNDERSTAND THAT'S THIS PLAN WILL HAVE AN IMPACT ON PHARMACIES, BUT IT'S A ESSENTIAL THAT OUR SENIOR CITIZENS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE SPLITTING THEIR PILLS AND AREN'T TAKING THE MEDICATION PRESIGNED TO THEM THEY CAN'T AFFORD IT GET THE DRUGS THEY NEED. Reporter: JOINS TO US TALK MORE OF THE IMPACT OF BUYING PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FROM CANADA CHARLIE OF THE BARTLETT CENTER FOR PUBLIC POLICY AND ROBERT WOODWARD THE PROFESSOR OF HEALTH ECONOMICS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. SHOULD STATE GOVERNMENTS AND MUNICIPALITIES IMPORT PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FROM CANADA? THAT DEPEND ON WHO YOU ASK. CHARLIE, WHY NOT HAVE THE STATE GOVERNMENT SAVE MONEY BY ORDERING CANADIAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGS, THEY'RE CHEAPER. IT THERE A COUPLE OF THINGS. THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION OF THE SYSTEM IS WE'RE JUST BUYING AMERICAN DRUGS THAT WENT TO CANADA AND BRINGING THEM BACK HOME AND IN RECENT YEARS THAT'S CHANGED VERY MUCH. THE CANADIAN MARKET IS A LITTLE TINY FRACTION OF THE US MARKET. BUT THERE ARE ABOUT 2% OF THE WORLD MARKET WE'RE ABOUT 37%. THEY SELL ABOUT 8 BILLION WORTH OF CANADIAN DRUGS WHICH IS ABOUT DOUBLE THE SIZE OF MOTA AND NEW HAMPSHIRE COMBINED. SO WE WOULD BE A HUGE FRACTION OF THEIR MARKET. WHEN YOU ORDER DRUGS LIKE IF YOU LIVED IN CALAIS MAINE AND POP ACROSS THE RIVER TO SAINT STEVEN IT'S DIFFERENT YOU'RE ENTERING THE CANADIAN SYSTEM AND YOU'RE PART OF THEIR REGULATORY SYSTEM. WHEN YOU ORDER CANADIAN DRUGS OVER THE INTERNET YOU'RE NOT BUYING CANADIAN OR AMERICAN DRUGS BUT DRUGS OUTSIDE OF THEIR SYSTEM IN MANY CASES THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT WARNED THEY ARE IMPORTED THROUGH A LOOPHOLE LEGALLY BUT WITHOUT ANY REGULATION. YOU CAN THEN SEND THEM TO THE U.S. BECAUSE THEY'RE NOT FOR DOMESTIC CANADIAN CONSUMPTION ANYBODY CAN HAVE THEM. THE U.S. MANUFACTURERS LIMITED BECAUSE THERE ARE PRICE CONTROLS THERE THEY SEND UP ENOUGH FOR THAT PARK THE AND THEY'RE NOW LIMITING, THEY DON'T SELL DRUGS TO THE INTERNET PHARMACIES TAKING STEPS TO MAKE SURE ONLY CANADIANS USE THEM. WHAT YOU'RE INCREASINGLY DOING IS BUYING DRUGS FROM A CANADIAN COMPANY BUT THEY'RE JUST PASSING THROUGH AND MOSTLY FROM PLACES LATELY LIKE BANGLADESH AND THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES. THOSE BOARDING THE BUSES GOING ACROSS THE BORDER BUYING THEIR DRUGS FROM CANADIAN FARM RIZ ARE SAFER THAN THOSE ONLINE TRYING TO PURCHASE THEY'RE DRUGS IS THAT WHAT YOU'RE SAYING? MY SENSE IS THAT'S PROBABLY A LOT SAFER. Reporter: ED DO YOU WANT TO WEIGH IN ON THIS? THERE ARE A LOT OF ISSUES. THE AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY IS AN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRY ARE INDEED SELLING TO CANADA. THEY ARE TRYING VERY HARD TO LIMIT THEIR SALES. THE POINTS THAT CHARLIE MAKES ABOUT THE SIZE OF THE DRUG MARKET HERE AND THERE ARE QUITE ACCURATE. CANADA IS APPROXIMATELY A TENTH OF THE SIZE OF THE U.S. WE SPEND 20 TIMES AS MUCH ON PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AS HIS REPORT POINTS OUT BUT PERHAPS IF WE SPENT THE PRICES THAT WE PAY WERE CANADIAN PRICES WE WOULD BE VERY MUCH CLOSER TO THE TO PORTION POPULATION EXPENDITURES. HE RAISES CHARLIE RAISES A LOT OF VERY INTERESTING ISSUES. INDEED DRUGS ARE IMPORTED AND MADE FROM INDIA, BRAZIL, THERE ARE GENERIC DRUG COMPANIES EVERYWHERE. ONE OF THE KEY ISSUES THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IS WHICH KIND OF DRUGS WE'RE TALKING ABOUT, NEW BRAND NAME DRUGS THAT, TALKING ABOUT GENERIC DRUGS? TO THE EXTENT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT GENERICS THERE MAY WILL BE SAFETY ISSUES BUT THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE NOW NOT LOSING THEIR HEALTH PERHAPS DYING FOR THE LACK OF PAYING FOR PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES. WE DON'T KNOW OF ANY CASES I KNOW ABOUT PERHAPS CHARLIE CAN COMMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE SUFFERING ILL HEALTH BECAUSE OF DRUGS HAVE BEEN IMPORTED. RIGHT NOW WE'RE. AMERICANS ARE LOSING HEALTH MORE BECAUSE OF THE PRICE OF DRUGS THAN POOR QUALITY OF THE DRUGS. THAT'S IN FACT, A VERY GOOD POINT. WE IMPORT ABOUT A BILLION WORTH OF DRUGS FROM CANADA. VARIOUS. THIS IS A TRADE SPRUNG UP IN THE LAST TWO YEARS. THREE, FOUR YEARS AGO NOTHING ESSENTIALLY NOTHING. AND NOW ABOUT A BILLION DOLLARS. WHEN WE WERE INITIALLY DOING IT IN FACT, MOST OF THE DRUGS WERE JUST THE CANADIAN MARKETPLACE DRUGS BECAUSE THERE WASN'T A HUGE DEMAND ON THEIR MARKET BUT WE'RE NOW WANTING TO BUY ABOUT 12% INCREASING OF THEIR MARKET. AND THE U.S. DRUG COMPANIES ARE NOT SHIPPING MORE DRUGS LIMITING SUPPLIES. THAT'S A RECENT PHENOMENON FOR MANY REASONS THE DRUG COMPANIES ARE NOT MAKING MONEY OT DRUGS THEY SELL IN CANADA. SO THEY LIMIT, SAY YOU'LL NOT LET US CHARGE THE MARKET PRICE FOR THE MONEY BUT SMIP YOU INFORM FOR YOUR MARKET. IN ORDER TO PRESERVE THEIR MARKET THEY WANT TO LIMIT THOSE DRUGS TO THEMSELVES AND IT'S INTERESTING THE CANADIAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION MOST PROVINCE SHALL AND THE CANADIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION ARE ALL OPPOSED TO WHAT IN CANADA IS CALLED DRUG EXPORTATION BECAUSE OF THE THREAT TO THEIR MARKET. AND MOST OF THE THEM AGREE THERE ARE SAFETY CONCERNS. HEALTH CANADA THE CANADIAN HEALTH AGENCY POSTS ON THEIR WEBSITE A CONCERN ABOUT THIS AND A WARNING THE DRUGS NOT REGULATED. Reporter: ARE THE OVERSEAS DRUGS YOU TALK ABOUT AREN'T NECESSARILY CANADIAN DRUGS FROM THE UNITED STATES INHERENTENTLY UNSAFE? THEY'RE NOT INHERENTLY UNSAFE. THAT'S A GOOD POINT, IF YOU'RE BUYING DRUGS OVER THE INTERNET I SAY I WOULDN'T LET MY MOTHER ORDER DRUGS OVER THE IT IN THE IF THERE IS A WAY I COULD HELP IT. Reporter: BUT YOU'LL LET HER BOARD A BUS TO SAVE MONEY? NOT SURE TO DO THAT, IF YOU'RE DOING SOME ILLEGAL THERE ARE ISSUES RAISED BY THAT BUT BECAUSE IT'S ESSENTIALLY A CRAP SHOOT ROLLING THE DICE YOU MAY GET SOMETHING FINE AND SOMETHING NOT. YOU'RE PROBABLY NOT GOING TO KNOW. LET'S SAY YOU'RE TAKING HEART MEDICINE THAT'S SUBPOTENT, YOU DIE OF A HEART ATTACK EVENTUALLY AND SAY WE KEPT HIM ALIVE AS LONG AS HE COULD YOU DON'T KNOW IF YOU WOULD HAVE LIVED SIX MONTHS IF THE MEDICINE WAS REAL. THAT'S A REAL ISSUE BUT WE WON'T NECESSARILY HEAR THAT. Reporter: PROFESSOR WE KNOW THE IMPORTATION OF DRUGS IS ILLEGAL AND THE F.D.A. THREATENED TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST STATE GOVERNMENTS AND MUNICIPALITIES TAKING. Narrator: THIS AND THEY HAVEN'T DONE. SO IS SAFETY A REAL THREAT. THE F.D.A. HASN'T REALLY PROVIDED ANY EVIDENCE TO THAT AND SOME CALL THE F.D.A. THE LAP DOG OF THE DRUG INDUSTRY IS THAT A FAIR ASSESSMENT? THOSE ARE STRONG WORDS. THEY CERTAINLY BEHAVE FROM TIME TO TIME AS IF THEY WERE. THE ISSUE OF COURSE IS ONE OF COMPARING RISKS WITH RESPECT TO SAFETY. VERSUS ALTERNATIVE RISKS. SAFETY IS A RISK. WE NEED TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY AND THE RISK OF TAKING DRUGS BUT THE. I THINK WHAT THE U.S. CONGRESS PASSED A LEGISLATION A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO TALKING ABOUT THAT IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE TO IMPORT DRUGS FROM CANADIAN D.A., IF THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, F.D.A., WOULD CERTIFY THEIR SAFETY. AND THEN SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TOMMY TOMPSON SAID WE WON'T DO THAT. WE DON'T WANT TO BE INVOLVED IN THAT ISSUE. TO SAY THAT SAFETY IS AN ISSUE IS A DIFFERENT STATEMENT TO SAY THAT WE CAN'T DEAL WITH THE SAFETY OF DRUGS IMPORTED. AND IN THE SAME WE WE DEAL WITH SAFETY DRUGS MANUFACTURED IN THE UNITED STATES OR IMPORT BID COMPANIES WHO ARE LICENSED TO SELL IN THE UNITED STATES THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY HAS THE BENEFIT OF A LOT OF ITS BASIC RESEARCH BEING DONE BY N.I.H. IT HAS THE BENEFIT OF PATENT LAWS AND THE ABILITY TO HAVE MONOPOLY PRICING ON DRUGS THEY DO SPEND A LOT OF MONEY ON TO DEVELOP. THE QUESTION IS ULTIMATELY JUST HOW HIGH THE PROFITS HAVE TONIGHT. AND IF YOU LOOK AT THE FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES, AND THEIR SUMMARY BY INDUSTRY YOU'LL SEE THAT THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY HAS BEEN BY FAR AND AWAY ONE OF THE MOST PROFITABLE INDUSTRIES OF ANY INDUSTRY THEY CATEGORIZE. Reporter: LET ME ASK YOU THIS, CHARLIE, WE KNOW DRUGS ARE CHEPG IN CANADA AND AMERICANS ARE BEARING THE BRUNT OF THAT, HOW MUCH OF A SAVINGS WOULD THE STATE OF THE NEW HAMPSHIRE GET IF THEY PROCEEDED WITH THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSED PLAN TO BUY DRUGS FROM CANADA? THERE ARE A COUPLE OF ISSUES. ONE BECAUSE IT'S STILL ILLEGAL INCREASED LIABILITY COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH IT, ALMOST CERTAINLY GET A LOT OF LAWSUITS, ANY TIME THE STATE GOVERNMENT IS INVOLVED IN A ILLEGAL ACT, YOU HAVE TO MAKE UP THE 50% MED CANDIDATE REIMBURSEMENT, LOSING MONEY ACTUALLY ON MEDICARE REIMBURSEMENT. YOU MIGHT SAVE A LITTLE MONEY ON CORRECTIONS REIMBURSEMENT AND UNFORTUNATELY PEOPLE IN GOVERNMENT DON'T SEE TO CARE ABOUT THE HEALTH AND MIND THE SAFETY ISSUE THERE SO THEY CAN SAVE MONEY THAT WAY. WANT TO ADDRESS TWO THINGS ABOUT THE SAFETY CONCERNS. HHS IN CANADA CAN ALLOW THE IMPORTATION OF PHARMACEUTICALS IF THEY CAN ASSERT IT'S SAFE AND IT'S TRUE TOMMY TOMSON HAS SAID NO BUT IT'S IMPORTANT TO NOTE POLITICALLY SPEAKING CLINTON'S HHS SECRETARY AND BUSH'S BOTH SAID. NO IT'S ACTUALLY A BIPARTISAN ISSUE AND IT'S HARD FOR ME TO BELIEVE THAT BOTH ADMINISTRATIONS WERE IN THE POCKET OF THE DRUG COMPANIES, EVERYBODY ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE IS ON THE TAKE SO TO SPEAK. THE OTHER POINT IS THAT WE KNOW IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE BUT HOW DO WE QUANTIFY THAT? CUSTOMS DID AN INSPECTION WHERE THEY STOPPED. CAN'T STOP EVERY SHIPMENT COMING IN BUT STOPPED A COUPLE OF THOUSAND SHIPMENTS BUT 88% WERE UNAUTHORIZED DRUGS AND UNDER F.D.A. REGULATIONS YOU HAVE TO AUTHORIZE DRUGS BASED ON HOW THEY'RE MADE WHERE THEY'RE SHIPPED WHAT'S IN THEM A WHOLE HOST RECOMMENDATION AND THEY WEREN'T UP TO STANDARD. IF YOU'RE ONE OF THE 88% INCLUDING DRUGS FROM CANADA, ONE OF THE 88% NOT A GOOD DEAL FOR YOU. IF YOU'RE ONE OF THE 12% GREAT DEAL FOR YOU BUT I DON'T LIKE MY CHANCE THERE IS. AND I MEAN IT IS A REAL ISSUE AND COULD BE A REAL PROBLEM. Reporter: JUST BECAUSE WE'RE TIGHT ON TIME, BOB, WHAT DOES WASHINGTON NEED TO DO TO HELP SENIORS ON FIXED INCOMES THAT NEED TO BUY THESE DRUGS AT A REASONABLE PRICE, WHAT HAS TO HAPPEN IN ORDER FOR THEM TOE DO THAT? THAT'S NOT A SMALL QUESTION YOU WANT A QUICK ANSWER, PROBABLY CHANGE ADMINISTRATIONS. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SECRETARIES HAS TO DO IN PART WITH ATTITUDE ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND FUNDING FROM CONGRESS. TO DO CHECK SAFETY COMING IN ON DRUGS BEING IMPORTED YOU NEED A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN YOUR BUDGET. THAT WAS NOT OFFERED THEREFORE, IT BECOMES IMPOSSIBLE. Reporter: THIS DEBATE IS FAR FROM OVER AND I'LL HAVE TO LET THAT BE THE FINAL THOUGHT ON THE POLITICAL NOTE, THANK YOU CHARLIE AND ROBERT. WE'LL OF COURSE CONTINUE THIS DEBATE. |
| Drugs Tag Return to index of stories... |
Thanks Charlie Arlinghaus and Robert Woodward. It's anticipated the Governor will announce details of his prescription drug plan tomorrow. |
| Intro Guns Return to index of stories... |
Should gun owners be allowed to carry concealed weapons without a permit? That was the focus of debate at a Senate Hearing today. Senate bill 454 would allow anyone who legally owns a pistol or revolver to carry it as a concealed weapon. Richard Ager has the story. |
| Gun Hearing Return to index of stories... |
Reporter: GUN OWNERS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE ALREADY HAVE THE RIGHT TO CARRY A CONCEALED WEAPON BUT MUST FIRST GET A PER FLIT THEIR LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT. BY LAW THE PERMIT MUST BE GRANTED UNLESS POLICE FIND A COMPELLING REASON TO DENY IT. SUPPORTERS OF THE SENATE BILL SAY IT WILL SIMPLY ELIMINATE THE NUISANCE OF GETTING THE PERMIT. SHOOTINGS INCREASE AS A RESULT PASSING THE BILL ALL OF THE EVIDENCE IS HE THEY WON'T. VIRTUALLY THE SAME BILL WAS PASS NEIGHBORHOOD LAW BAY LASS CAN A LAST FALL AND VERMONTERS EXERCISED SAME UNRESTRICTED RIGHT OVER 100 YEARS, HAVE WE SEEN SHOOTOUTS ABSOLUTELY NOT, IN FACT, VIOLENT CRIME RATES ARE LOWEST IN VERMONT AND NEW HAMPSHIRE AND DECLINED IN STATES RESTORING THE RIGHT TO CARRY PISTOLS AND REVOLVERS. Reporter: OPPONENTS OF THE BILL WHICH ARE NEW HAMPSHIRE POLICE AND GUN CONTROL ADVOCATES SAY THE PAPERWORK IS WORTH KEEPING. THE PROCESS ON OBTAINING THE PERMIT IN MANY COMMUNITIES IS LESS CUMBERSOME THAN TO ACQUIRE A DOG PERMIT AND LESS COSTLY. WITH WE HEAR SUPPORTERS OF THE BILL REASONING ONLY THE LAW ABIDING BOTHER TO GET A PERMIT AND CRIMINALS CARRY ILLEGALLY TO US THAT IS AN EXCELLENT REASON TO KEEP THE PERMITTING PROCESS HOW ELSE DO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS TELL WHO IS A LAW ABIDING CITIZEN AND WHY ARE THEY CARRYING THIS PARTICULAR WEAPON. A LOT OF THE VICTIMS OF VIOLENT CRIME HAVE BEEN HERE TO TESTIFY. YOU WON'T HAVE A LOT OF THEM BECAUSE THEY'RE DEAD. Reporter: THE MOST EMOTIONAL MOMENT OF TESTIMONY WAS AT THE END OF THE HEARING AS STATE REPRESENTATIVE CAMPBELL RECALLED BEING STALKED BY CRIMINALS INTENT ON PREVENTING HIM TESTIFYING ABOUT A CRIME HE HAD WITNESSES. I HAVE ANOTHER BULLET THIS LONG IN BETWEEN MY THIRD AND FOURTH VERTEBRAE FLOATING AROUND IN MY NECK THEY CAN'T GET OUT. WHY I AM STILL HERE TODAY I DON'T KNOW. I THINK THAT LOT OF IT HAS TO DO WITH MY MOM. AND FOR THE MOMS HERE, IMAGINE THIS PHONE CALL THAT MY MOM GOT ON JULY 25, 1994. THAT HER SON HAD BEEN SHOT SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS NOT GOING TO MAKE IT THROUGH THE NIGHT. IMAGINE THE 8-HOUR CAR RIDE FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE TO WASHINGTON HOSPITAL CENTER THAT MY MOM KNEW I WAS DENIED MY RIGHT TO PROTECT MYSELF AND THAT'S WHY I WAS LAYING IN A HOSPITAL GOING TO DIE. Reporter: CAMPBELL SAYS HE WAS DENIED A CONCEALED WEAPON PERMIT AND DOESN'T WANT ANY OTHER INNOCENT VICTIMS TO BE LEFT DEFENSELESS. FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK I'M RICHARD AGER. |
| Tag Gun Hearing Return to index of stories... |
The Senate Judiciary committee will be making a recommendation on the bill to the full senate sometime this session. |
| Web Pointer Return to index of stories... |
That's it for this edition of our program. For more information and links to our guests and interviews, connect with us on-line at nhptv.org. Join our online discussion and tell us what's on your mind. You can also find streaming video of all our broadcasts. |
| Tomorrow Return to index of stories... |
On the next New Hampshire Outlook - Ending SPAM in your e-mail box. Plus, we'll tour the SEE Science Center's robotic dinosaur exhibit. We hope you'll join us on Wednesday. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
Thanks for watching. I'm Beth Carroll. We'll see you next time. |
| Founders Return to index of stories... |
Thanks to the Stratford Foundation which has provided continuing major funding for the production of NH Outlook |
| Tonight 10:00 Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. Ending SPAM in your e-mail box. Plus, we'll tour the SEE Science Center's robotic dinosaur exhibit. Join us tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| key: Health / Healthcare Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 02/10/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 21:30 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, it's a love - hate relationship. We'll be talking about the high cost of prescription drugs and the importation of drugs from Canada. Plus, we'll look at legislation that would eliminate permits for concealed weapons. For some Americans, Canada is more than just a summer vactionland. It's a place where bargains on prescription drugs can be found. Even for some U-S made pharmaceuticals, Americans pay more than Canadians do. To shed some light on why that is, producer Phil Vaughn met with a health policy expert at the University of New Hampshire. Wednesday, Governor Craig Benson is expected to release details of his plan to help New Hampshire citizens buy drugs from Canada. But the plan is already meeting resistance from phamacists on both sides of the border. Tuesday, a group of pharmacists held a news conference at the Statehouse.They say the plan to reimport drugs from Canada would raise safety concerns and cause drug shortages for Canadians. A spokesman for the Governor says that while buying drugs over the internet may pose safety concerns - that's NOT what the governor is proposing. He says the governor's plan would connect New Hampshire consumers directly to Canadian pharmacies, so they'd get the same regulated drugs available to Canadians. Wendell Packard also responded to criticism that the plan would shut down independent pharmacies. Joining us instudio to talk more about the impact of buying prescription drugs from Canada - Charlie Arlinghaus of the Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy and Robert Woodward, the Forrest McKerly professor of Health Economics at the University of New Hampshire. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Phil Vaughn, Beth Carroll, Julie Donnelly NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Robert McGrath\UNH Dept of Health Mng. & Policy, Steven Thompson\Pharmacist, New Brunswick, Canada, Rick Potter\Pharmacist, Nashua, Wendell Packard\Governor's Spokesman, Charlie Arlinghaus\The Josiah Bartlett Ctr for Pub Pol, Robert S. Woodward\Professor of Health Economics, UNH |
| key: Consumer Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 02/10/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 21:30 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, it's a love - hate relationship. We'll be talking about the high cost of prescription drugs and the importation of drugs from Canada. Plus, we'll look at legislation that would eliminate permits for concealed weapons. For some Americans, Canada is more than just a summer vactionland. It's a place where bargains on prescription drugs can be found. Even for some U-S made pharmaceuticals, Americans pay more than Canadians do. To shed some light on why that is, producer Phil Vaughn met with a health policy expert at the University of New Hampshire. Wednesday, Governor Craig Benson is expected to release details of his plan to help New Hampshire citizens buy drugs from Canada. But the plan is already meeting resistance from phamacists on both sides of the border. Tuesday, a group of pharmacists held a news conference at the Statehouse.They say the plan to reimport drugs from Canada would raise safety concerns and cause drug shortages for Canadians. A spokesman for the Governor says that while buying drugs over the internet may pose safety concerns - that's NOT what the governor is proposing. He says the governor's plan would connect New Hampshire consumers directly to Canadian pharmacies, so they'd get the same regulated drugs available to Canadians. Wendell Packard also responded to criticism that the plan would shut down independent pharmacies. Joining us instudio to talk more about the impact of buying prescription drugs from Canada - Charlie Arlinghaus of the Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy and Robert Woodward, the Forrest McKerly professor of Health Economics at the University of New Hampshire. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Phil Vaughn, Beth Carroll, Julie Donnelly NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Robert McGrath\UNH Dept of Health Mng. & Policy, Steven Thompson\Pharmacist, New Brunswick, Canada, Rick Potter\Pharmacist, Nashua, Wendell Packard\Governor's Spokesman, Charlie Arlinghaus\The Josiah Bartlett Ctr for Pub Pol, Robert S. Woodward\Professor of Health Economics, UNH |
| key: State Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 02/10/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 21:30 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, it's a love - hate relationship. We'll be talking about the high cost of prescription drugs and the importation of drugs from Canada. Plus, we'll look at legislation that would eliminate permits for concealed weapons. For some Americans, Canada is more than just a summer vactionland. It's a place where bargains on prescription drugs can be found. Even for some U-S made pharmaceuticals, Americans pay more than Canadians do. To shed some light on why that is, producer Phil Vaughn met with a health policy expert at the University of New Hampshire. Wednesday, Governor Craig Benson is expected to release details of his plan to help New Hampshire citizens buy drugs from Canada. But the plan is already meeting resistance from phamacists on both sides of the border. Tuesday, a group of pharmacists held a news conference at the Statehouse.They say the plan to reimport drugs from Canada would raise safety concerns and cause drug shortages for Canadians. A spokesman for the Governor says that while buying drugs over the internet may pose safety concerns - that's NOT what the governor is proposing. He says the governor's plan would connect New Hampshire consumers directly to Canadian pharmacies, so they'd get the same regulated drugs available to Canadians. Wendell Packard also responded to criticism that the plan would shut down independent pharmacies. Joining us instudio to talk more about the impact of buying prescription drugs from Canada - Charlie Arlinghaus of the Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy and Robert Woodward, the Forrest McKerly professor of Health Economics at the University of New Hampshire. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Phil Vaughn, Beth Carroll, Julie Donnelly NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Robert McGrath\UNH Dept of Health Mng. & Policy, Steven Thompson\Pharmacist, New Brunswick, Canada, Rick Potter\Pharmacist, Nashua, Wendell Packard\Governor's Spokesman, Charlie Arlinghaus\The Josiah Bartlett Ctr for Pub Pol, Robert S. Woodward\Professor of Health Economics, UNH |
| key: State Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 02/10/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 3:00 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, it's a love - hate relationship. We'll be talking about the high cost of prescription drugs and the importation of drugs from Canada. Plus, we'll look at legislation that would eliminate permits for concealed weapons. Should gun owners be allowed to carry concealed weapons without a permit? That was the focus of debate at a Senate Hearing today. Senate bill 454 would allow anyone who legally owns a pistol or revolver to carry it as a concealed weapon. Richard Ager has the story. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Stephen King\President - Gun Owners of NH, Laurel Redden\NH Chapter - Million Mom March, Rep. Packy Campbell\R - Farmington |
| key: Crime / Legal Issues / Law Enforcement Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 02/10/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 3:00 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, it's a love - hate relationship. We'll be talking about the high cost of prescription drugs and the importation of drugs from Canada. Plus, we'll look at legislation that would eliminate permits for concealed weapons. Should gun owners be allowed to carry concealed weapons without a permit? That was the focus of debate at a Senate Hearing today. Senate bill 454 would allow anyone who legally owns a pistol or revolver to carry it as a concealed weapon. Richard Ager has the story. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Stephen King\President - Gun Owners of NH, Laurel Redden\NH Chapter - Million Mom March, Rep. Packy Campbell\R - Farmington |
| WEB PROMO Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. . Tonight at 10pm on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| Intro Ice Fishing Return to index of stories... |
And finally, what do avid fishermen do in the winter. They drill a hole in the ice and fish anyway. Chip Neal has this story on ice fishing taped last winter. |
| website Return to index of stories... |
For information on our program, and links to our guests and interviews, visit our web site at nhptv.org. You can see and hear streaming video of our broadcasts. We want to know what's on your mind. Join our discussion forum and tell us what you're thinking. If you have a story idea or comment on our program, click the feedback button. Or, call us at 800-639-2721. |
| Ice Fishing Return to index of stories... |
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