From People of Faith for Access to Medicines (https://pfamrx.org/):
People of Faith for Access to Medicines was honored to present at a November Capitol Hill interfaith event, “Lifting Vulnerable Communities: Ensuring Access to Medicines in Trade Agreements and US Policy” A highlighted topic of discussion was the groundbreaking multi-denominational statement advocating for protection of access to essential medicines in the new US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.
For a copy of that statement, see here. For another faith-based statement signed by PFAM on NAFTA more broadly, see here. For a statement of concern that the current version of the agreement does not protect medicines access see here. The deal is far from done, so we will advise you of more opportunities for action soon!
Another topic of the Capitol Hill event was the opportunities for drug pricing reforms in the next Congress, given the results of the recent U.S. election, where voters made clear their concern about access to medicines and healthcare.
President Trump continues to take limited steps in the direction of Medicare price regulation (for an analysis of his recent proposal, see here). And Congressional Democrats are posing some exciting legislation, including a new plan (see here) to pull drug prices in line with international standards. It is an interesting time for healthcare access, so look to this space for information about education and action opportunities in the coming months.
This month, our allies at T1International and its chapter KOIInsulin4All are asking for signatures on a petition to support pending Indiana legislation to take steps toward requiring drug manufacturer transparency in pricing. To sign on the petition (and to share with others, if you are inclined), click here.
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