Canada bans the export of medicines to counter Trump's plan to reduce their prices in the US market
Canada has banned the export of some medicines in order to prevent shortages in the country.
The decision aims to avoid the effects of a US plan to allow drugs to be imported from Canada to make them cheaper for Americans.
Although the prices of prescription drugs are higher in Canada than in some countries, they are cheaper than in the United States.
A number of Canadian drug suppliers have warned that the plan, implemented by US President Donald Trump, will lead to a shortage of drugs on the Canadian market.
And Agence France-Presse reported that the Corona epidemic has already increased the demand for some medicines.
A statement issued by the Canadian Ministry of Health said that the country provides 68% of its medicines by importing from abroad, so it is important to avoid any interruptions in supplies.
The statement said: "Companies will now also be required to provide information to assess the current or potential shortage upon request, within 24 hours, to see if there is a current or imminent health risk."
Trump signed an executive order in July to allow cheaper drugs to be legally imported from Canada.
A month later, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was ready to help other countries get their medication needs if possible, but his priority was to protect the needs of Canadians.
The pharmaceutical industry has faced intense criticism from US politicians - including Trump - as well as insurance companies and patient groups due to the high cost of new drugs and the high prices of some old generic medicines.
US President-elect Joe Biden had previously talked about the possibility of importing drugs to cut costs.
BBC
