Canadameds Upset with Recent Statements by Canadian Health Minister

Canadian Mail Order Pharmacies

Winnipeg (PRWEB) January 8, 2005 -- Canadas Health Minister, Mr. Ujjal Dosanjh threats to stop the mail order pharmacy business in Canada and prohibit the exportation of drugs to Americans has some mail order pharmacies outraged. Mr. Dosanjh considers doctors that write prescriptions, as is the case for mail order pharmacies, without examining the patient is unethical.
   
Mr. Daren Jorgenson, owner of the pioneer mail order pharmacy in Canada is very upset with recent statements made by Mr. Dosanjh, Canadas Health Minister. Mr. Jorgenson stated that, Mr. Dosanjh is wrong.

While physicians in Canada may not examine the patient, they are re-writing the script from the U.S. prescribing doctor that has already examined the patient, and they are only re-writing the script so it can be dispensed from Canada. In addition, physicians in Canada contact the U.S. prescribing physician if they have concerns with the original prescription. If anything, the service we provide gives the patient a double-check on their meds."

Mr. Jorgenson stated, My company has provided a much needed service to the American citizens, especially those that have no insurance or are underinsured and cannot afford to pay the high cost of medications in the States. We have faced many challenges in the past and have overcome them for the betterment of these citizens."
   
According to the Kaiser Foundation, twenty-nine percent of Americans cant fill their prescriptions, and are paying between two and five times more for their drugs than Canadians. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration has deemed it illegal for an American to purchase identical drugs from Canada. Currently, only the drug companies themselves are allowed to re-import their own products from other countries. Recognizing the hypocrisy, Congress passed a bill last July, by an overwhelming 389-31 margin, making the FDAs position non-enforceable, and allowing for importation by wholesalers and pharmacists".
   
Mr. Jorgenson stated, There is no real logical reason for Canada to shut down this business unless meds are actually being shorted to Canadians, which is not the case. The only people that could affect shortages are the drug manufacturers. The argument that doctors dont actually see the patient is redundant as they have already been examined by their own physician. While Mr. Dosanjh says it is unethical for doctors to write scripts for patients they don't see and for pharmacists to fill these, I would say it is more unethical to not permit patients to take their prescribed meds due to the fact they cannot afford them. I would think it would be ethical for the medical community to assist patients by whatever means are available including advising them to purchase from Canada or overseas. Shame, shame, shame on the Health Minister in Canada and the U.S. for trying to jeopardize the health of under privileged or under-insured U.S. citizens."
   
Mr. Jorgenson stated that, Even prior to Mr. Doanjhs threats, rumors have been circulating in the industry that a behind the door deal was made with President George Bush during his recent visit to Canada, that Canada would stop the mail order pharmacy business to the U.S. in exchange for the U.S. re-opening the border to Canadian beef. If this is true, then it is a travesty of government for them to choose one industry over another at the risk of U.S. citizens health and expense of job security for Canadians. "
   
Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canadameds, is one of the leading mail order pharmacies in Canada, and can be reached via their website, (www.canadameds.com) or toll free at 1-877-542-3330. Canadameds provides the availability for American patients to utilize global pharmacy services.

Media Contact:
Betty Maytwayshing
Phone:   1-204-927-3757
Email:   bmaytwayashing@canadameds.com

For interviews either via the phone or in person. Global pharmacy owners/pharmacists are also available for phone interviews.

# # #