WASHINGTON — Sen. Rick Scott, chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, held a hearing this week titled “Prescription for Trouble: Drug Safety, Supply Chains, and the Risk to Aging Americans.”
The top concern was the United States' dependence on foreign manufacturers for critical medications and generic drugs. More than 88% of older Americans were prescribed a medication in the past year.
“If we put on every drug, on the little container you get with the drugs, where it was made, guess what would happen?” Scott said. The topic of producing generic medications in the US was highlighted as a priority.
Scott brought special attention to the supply chain and the U.S. reliance on manufacturers in China and India for nearly 90% of the ingredients used in prescription medicines. These countries do not have the same FDA inspection standards the U.S. does, and the potential risks are numerous. For example, the U.S. practices unannounced inspections, while foreign plants get prior notice.
“The FDA has got to be clear. This is what our inspection program is. This is what's never been inspected. These drugs, that plant hasn't been inspected in 10 years,” Scott said in an interview with The Floridian.
With the majority of prescriptions filled for generics, which are nearly entirely made in China, the concern of the standards of these medications is brought to light.
A study shows generic medications can carry higher health risks, and the Florida senator argued that securing the supply chain is a matter of public safety.
Scott argued that American companies could fill the gap if consumers demand domestically made drugs.
“America is the most innovative country in the world. Our companies are. And if you give the American companies the opportunity to produce, they’ll produce at a price that people can afford,” he said.
Ensuring Americans have access to the medicines they need at affordable prices is a matter of national importance.
Currently, the supply chain is especially vulnerable, and prioritizing domestic generic drug products helps to protect the safety of Americans.
