|
Innovative Prescription Drug Savings Plan Approved By Committee |
|
|
|
The D.C. Council Committee on Health approved Bill 16-114, the "Prescription Drug Compulsory Manufacture License Act", by a vote of 3 to 0 at a meeting held March 23, 2005. This clears the way for initial consideration by the full Council on April 19.
"The testimony heard on this bill confirmed the need for swift action to reign in the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs," commented Health Committee Chairman David Catania. "I'm glad to have my colleagues on the committee join me in this fight." The committee-approved legislation would give the Mayor the authority to claim formulas associated with certain patented drugs purchased by the District and then contract with an FDA-approved manufacturer to produce those medicines at a greatly reduced cost. In so doing, the District Government will save tens of millions of dollars annually, which Catania expects to be re-invested into community healthcare. Catania continued, "The Mayor wants to use eminent domain to build a baseball stadium. I propose to use a similar tool for a real public benefit - to promote health and save lives in the District of Columbia." Councilmembers Jack Evans (Ward 2) and Vincent Gray (Ward 7) voted in favor of the measure with Chairman Catania. Councilmember Vincent Orange (Ward 5) voted present and Councilmember Jim Graham (Ward 1) was absent. For more information, please contact the Office of Councilmember David Catania by calling 202-724-7772. |
