Last week, Obama delivered his 98th executive order, addressing the growing issue of prescription drug shortages. Over the past decade the list of prescription drugs that are not readily available to those prescribed has grown exponentially. Right now, at least 180 drugs have been declared in short supply, a record number. These drugs are intended for people suffering from diseases such as childhood leukemia, breast cancer, colon cancer and HIV/AIDS. Instead of being delivered to these afflicted individuals they are being stock piled by the manufacturers and purchasers who are using their value to gain a monopoly over the pharmaceutical industry. As it stands 5 hospitals groups purchase 90% of drugs that only 7 companies manufacture. These numbers are staggering and work to reinforce that as the demand for these drugs grow; supply stays the same at best.
Obama’s executive order calls to strengthen the staff of the drug agency shortages team. The sad reality of this request is that it is unlikely to resolve the problem soon or entirely. Instead it will continue the conversation about this growing problem and solidify that awareness is key to change.
Since this order has been delivered there has been large and overly stereotypical back lash from Right-Wing activists such as blogger Michelle Malkin and Fox Business host Andrew Napolitano. Their criticism is over what they believe to be the true source of the problem, government regulations. The naivety in this attack remains with the fact the reform is targeting regulatory delays and issues with the manufacturing pipeline that have been identified as the largest sources of drug shortages.
The way I see it, there are many pieces missing from the puzzle. Because there is not one specific cause of this problem, there is not one specific solution. Though it is the true nature of politics, I think criticism of the efforts being made will only negatively affect the momentum for a solution. It’s not about the order being “wrong” it’s about it existing in the first place that we should focus on. There is not enough room in our society for negativity to be added onto a negative situation. What is America is not a place where change is possible? I think Michele Miki and Andrew Napolitano should just shut up.
