[A-List] Re: A-List digest, Vol 1 #342 - 10 msgs

[Hari Kumar <hari.kumar@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Message: 4: From: "Annewilliamson" <Annewilliamson@xxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [A-List] Unhealthy accumulation: hallucinatory advertising
Date: Mon, 13 Jan 2003 10:49:46 -0500
Reply-To: a-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
This article demonstrates, in part, why free prescriptions for seniors is not a good idea, nor is the
global aids fund.   Why?  Both policies are not designed to assist the afflicted, but to put price
supports in place for the pharmaceutical industry (which is losing its patents and facing a price
freefall.)  Additionally, both policies will deliver to the pharmaceuticals literally millions of
ginnie pigs (or however you spell it :-) for whose fate they will remain unaccountable.  As is,
American seniors are the most over-medicated group on the planet.  "
REPLy:
 I would disagree.
1) Comparisons of Cnadian vs USA citizens shows markedly higher drug over-useage in hte USA;
2) Many elderly poor in the USA - are either poor 'cos of drug bills; or are too poor to pay for drugs.

3) By no means all drug utilisation is 'over-drugging'.
The rational usage of medications is not by not supporting free prescritison for elderly.
The elimination of profiteering of the companies involves far more than denial of sick elderly -
rational prescribing. Not that this is what you are suggesting - but I think your approach is too
simplistic.
Hari Kumar