Richard H. Carmona, Former U.S. Surgeon General

“The current system of drug regulation in the U.S. has been very effective in protecting public safety, but is facing new threats. It should be modified only with great care to ensure continued high standards of safety and effectiveness for the U.S. drug supply."

On The Record:

“It would be extraordinarily difficult and costly for “personal” importation to be implemented in a way that ensures the safety and effectiveness of the imported drugs.”

“The current system of drug regulation in the U.S. has been very effective in protecting public safety, but is facing new threats. It should be modified only with great care to ensure continued high standards of safety and effectiveness for the U.S. drug supply.”

“Overall national savings from legalized commercial importation will likely be a small percentage of total drug spending and developing and implementing such a program would incur significant costs and require significant additional authorities.”

“FDA currently does not have sufficient resources to ensure adequate inspection of current levels of personal shipments of prescription drugs entering the U.S.”

“Legalized importation will likely adversely affect the future development of new drugs for American consumers”

“The new Medicare drug discount card, there are other ways for U.S. consumers to save money on domestic prescription drugs. Consumers are encouraged to shop around for price comparisons, ask their doctor or pharmacist for generic alternatives, and take advantage of prescription drug discount cards.”

- Excerpts from February 16, 2005 testimony of Richard H. Carmona, Surgeon General, U.S. Public Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services, before the Senate HELP Committee.