Canadian and US Flags Congress actually granted HHS the power to bring in medication from outside the country back in 2003, but HHS has never bought into the notion—although several states have. (Image: Shutterstock)

Although it could take years for it to become a reality, Alex Azar, Health and Human Services secretary, has announced a plan that would allow importation of certain drugs from Canada to the U.S.—if the proposal survives regulatory review, that is.

Stat News reports that many Republicans, as well as the pharmaceutical industry, are likely to put up stiff opposition to the proposal, which would really rely on the states for execution. Wholesalers and pharmacies would also be allowed to put forth their potential plans to bring in medications. Any plan proposals would have to outline safety measures as well as gain federal approval before being put into action.

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Marlene Satter

Marlene Y. Satter has worked in and written about the financial industry for decades.

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