Drug manufacturing shift to US

[Emergent, RN]

I was watching a bit of Face the Nation yesterday. It looks like there is bipartisan support to bring things like drug manufacturing back to the United States.

This crisis really brought home the fact we, as a nation, have put our selves into a precarious position by being dependent on other countries in this way.

This might mean drugs will be more expensive. I'm of the belief that America is overmedicated. I do think that the direct consumer marketing of drugs has been a grave mistake. Obviously the pharmaceutical industry has too much influence on government.

But, many drugs are very necessary. I totally support bringing the manufacturing back to this country. It is a vital National interest. There might be some other industries, also, that should not rely foreign powers that might become hostile towards us. Also, it would be an economic boost to industries here, and employ many people in decent paying jobs.

[Kitiger, RN]

You are right. We must bring drug manufacturing back.

https://www.politico.com/news/2019/12/20/policymakers-worry-china-drug-exports-088126

I am not familiar with politico.com. Is this a trustworthy site?

[Emergent, RN]

I don't know about that site either. The article sounds legitimate. It might be that the pharmaceutical industry is lobbying hard to keep manufacturing in China. I'm sure that helps their bottom line.

[A Hit With The Ladies, BSN, RN]

I like how the Canadian government sets caps on prices for manufacturers so their people pay a fraction of the price for drugs like insulin that our people do. We ought to replicate the Canadian system here.

[Emergent, RN]

1 minute ago, A Hit With The Ladies said:

I like how the Canadian government sets caps on prices for manufacturers so their people pay a fraction of the price for drugs like insulin that our people do. We ought to replicate the Canadian system here.

Canada has managed its finances much better than the United States. Their standard of living is still excellent. I've heard that their national debt is low.

[A Hit With The Ladies, BSN, RN]

Agreed! And Canadian girls are so cute!

[Emergent, RN]

What about shifting manufacturing of many things to Mexico? In spite of some of the friction over the border and immigration, Mexico is really our ally. We have so many things in common. Mexican culture is such a big part of America now.

It would also be an economic boon to Mexico, allowing their citizens to stay in their country, thus removing some of the conflict between our nations.

They are in our hemisphere, it would take less fossil fuels to ship things here. It would be better for economies to be more regional in nature rather than global.

[Kitiger, RN]

If I understand correctly, it is the raw materials that China has, that we need. Granted, this is not my area of expertise.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

5 hours ago, Emergent said:

I'm of the belief that America is overmedicated. I do think that the direct consumer marketing of drugs has been a grave mistake

Yes, Yes, Yes. Average home care patient in Philly area has 15+ meds listed on homecare referral that my staff reviewed + QA had a field day reconcilling with what admission RN's found missing in patients home.

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

6 hours ago, Kitiger said:

I am not familiar with politico.com. Is this a trustworthy site?

Politico skews slightly left, but their contributors do not hesitate to callout or criticize democrats. I consider them to be highly reliable.. but then again I’m a card carrying member of the aclu, ready to defend anybody’s first amendment right to open their mouth and prove themselves a fool. ‘Cept for the fire in a crowded theatre thing, not that that’s a current scenario.

[Daisy4RN]

Yes, I think we do need to bring back manufacturing of drugs and essential items back to the US. This has definitely highlighted the weak link as China has already threatened to not export antibiotics to the US. I read an article that stated not only do we get meds from China but other material/substances needed to make those meds so I don't know that it is as simple as just making them here. But we IMO should start moving in that direction.

Agree completely that we are too medicated and commercials/web just makes it worse. People see those, think they need it, get mad when MD says they dont, MD caves for fear of survey results; seen it many times and also heard it from the MDs. What do you expect them to do. I know there are other reasons also but this doesnt help.

[Daisy4RN]

4 hours ago, Kitiger said:

If I understand correctly, it is the raw materials that China has, that we need. Granted, this is not my area of expertise.

Saw your post after I posted. Yes, I think that is correct.