The Price and Safety of Imported Drugs

Re “End Drug-Import Hysteria,” editorial, April 27: Good advice but in the opposite way.

Several drug firms have already begun to limit the quantity of specially priced drugs to Canada. Does anyone really think the drug companies will cut their prices through the import ploy? Particularly when so many European drug firms have moved their drug development and operations to the U.S. because of the socialist restrictions there. Hysteria, indeed. When did socialist solutions and “let somebody else pay for it” really work?

Dick Ettington

Palos Verdes Peninsula

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As a senior living in Canada, I pay a nominal fee once a year, approximately $75 U.S., and am then covered for the routine medications that my doctor prescribes. I do pay a $5 U.S. dispensing fee each time and collect my receipts, as this can be credited to me at income tax time. Needless to say, I am very pleased with this setup, and I must stress that I am never at any time concerned about the quality of the medications provided.

Richard Ferguson

Stratford, Ontario, Canada

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Re “L.A. Could Cut Drug Costs With Bulk Buys,” Commentary, April 27: Three cheers for Antonio Villaraigosa and Jerry Flanagan for presenting a practical solution to part of the problem of overpriced drugs. Their plan could be implemented immediately. When Sacramento sees what Los Angeles has done to benefit all of its citizens, not just the lucky few who have drug coverage, it too will look into ways to help all Californians. It is time to let the City Council and mayor know we support such a plan.

Joanne Nagy

Granada Hills