AMA considers backing in-person importation of drugs from Canada

At its semiannual policy meeting this month the American Medical Association will consider endorsing a proposal that will allow Americans to purchase medicine from Canada in person as a solution to lowering  prescription drug prices, according to a STAT news report.

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The proposal first was explored at an AMA meeting last year and comes as the Trump administration mulls personal importation as a solution to the high cost of prescription drugs in the U.S.  

The AMA Council on Medical Services said in a report recommending the proposal that the “AMA would only support legislation that allows for the personal purchase and importation of prescription drugs obtained directly from a licensed Canadian pharmacy, provided such drugs are for personal use and of a limited quantity.”

The council did not support online ordering.

While the council said  that importing drugs from Canada is not a sustainable, long-term solution to addressing the unaffordability of some prescription drugs, it said the practice may offer some patients “relief in the meantime.”

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