Washington, DC (July 26, 2018) – The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement opposing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed prescription drug importation working group:

“The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce is wholeheartedly committed to our core tenets of entrepreneurship, innovation, and business expansion. While our health care system is in need of new ideas to solve pressing issues facing patients, drug importation is a risky, ineffective, and unsustainable means of accomplishing this goal, which may also have unforeseen consequences on the fragile economy of Puerto Rico. Imported drugs are not held to the same high standards that we demand for our patients in order to provide the best and most effective care. Importation, while sometimes appearing to be a potential alternative, may expose thousands of our nation’s most underserved patients to faulty, sub-standard, or even deadly drugs. In addition, imported drugs may indirectly harm the economy of Puerto Rico by undercutting the highly productive and vital pharmaceutical sector that accounts for 50 percent of Puerto Rico’s GDP.”

About The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPRChamber) is a non-profit organization created to promote entrepreneurship and economic development throughout the U.S. Feel free to contact the NPRChamber via email: Info@NPRChamber.org.

CONTACT:

NPRChamber

Phone: 866-576-5222

Email: Media@NPRChamber.org

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