So once again we have the Obamanut overstepping his bounds. Today the Obamanut plans to sign another executive order to take steps to reduce drug shortages, an escalating problem that has placed patients at risk and raised the possibility of price gouging. An official at the White House says Obama plans to sign the legislation Monday instructing the FDA to take action. The order would be the latest in the president’s campaign to move on initiatives that do not require congressional approval.
The FDA last year reported 178 shortages, and the agency says it continues to see an increase in shortages this year. These scarcities tend to affect cancer drugs, anesthetics, drugs used in emergency medicine, and electrolytes needed for intravenous feeding. He also plans to support House and Senate legislation that would require drug makers to notify the FDA six months ahead of a potential shortage.
Under current regulations, drug manufactures are only required to notify the FDA if medically necessary drugs are being discontinued. Notification of shortages is strictly voluntary. Now remember, pushing these executive orders through, it simply a campaign ruse to make the Obamanut look good, and try to make Republicans look bad to the voters. And we also mustn’t forget his hairbrained scheme last week he signed, that would help homeowners refinance at lower mortgage rates and to allow college graduates to simplify and lower their student loan payments. (All at taxpayer expense).
Then on Friday he directed government agencies to shorten the time it takes for federal research to turn into commercial products in the marketplace.
The FDA says major causes of drug shortages are quality or manufacturing problems, or delays in receiving components from suppliers. Drug makers also discontinue certain drugs in favor of newer medications that are more profitable. The FDA does not have authority to force drug makers to continue production of a drug. Fox News
