Drug Shortage: A Menace to Health and National Security
Bringing drug manufacturing back to the United States is crucial due to vulnerabilities in the U.S. drug supply and dependence on China. Essential medicines play a vital role in maintaining a healthy population, and their availability at affordable costs is paramount. The World Health Organization (WHO) maintains a list of essential medicines based on factors such as disease prevalence, efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Regular updates to this list help countries assess their medical needs. However, an audit conducted in 2020 revealed a concerning shortage of nearly 300 critical medicines in the U.S. Despite efforts to prevent drug shortages, gaps persist, leaving Americans susceptible to various threats. These shortages not only impact emergency rooms and cancer treatments but also contribute to the rise of counterfeit pills, posing unforeseen dangers to users. Counterfeit pills often contain harmful substances, leading to increased overdose deaths. The shortage of essential medicines also poses a national security risk. The U.S. heavily relies on foreign sources for medications and their raw materials, leaving the supply chain vulnerable. With a significant portion of drug manufacturing taking place overseas, the lack of visibility makes it challenging to predict and prevent future shortages. The U.S. government and the pharmaceutical industry must work together to address this issue. One proposed solution is the Essential Medicines Strategic Stockpile Act, which aims to establish a list of essential generic drugs and ensure their availability. Another approach is to bring drug manufacturing back to the U.S. by providing incentives such as tax credits, loans, infrastructure investment, and production support for domestic drug firms. Legislation like the MMEDS Act also proposes federal incentives to strengthen the U.S. medical supply chain for national security reasons. These measures are crucial to mitigate risks associated with offshore manufacturing and ensure a stable and reliable drug supply.
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