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America is the champion of free trade and the free market. America has the North America Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico (NAFTA) and a host of other trade agreements. Yet when it comes to pharmaceutical drugs, America is undeniably a protectionist state.

Yoke of the Pharmaceuticals on the FDA, the people
The Federal Drug Agency which regulates the pharmaceutical industry and approves drugs for Americans seems to have been severely compromised in its' independence from the industry it regulates. There has been for years some grumblings and whisper campaigns against the drug companies and their regulators. One goes like this, the FDA approves drugs for the markets without adequate study. The drug lobby is too powerful. Canada, never far behind the states has the same problem of drug companies being pushy and driving the national policy.

Free trade agreement vs. Protectionism
The US has free trade agreements. One called the World Trade Organization is global. Then there are regional agreements such the NAFTA, APEC, and MEFTA. There are 16 bilateral trade agreements finalized or in the works. Curiously though the drugs from the pharmaceutical companies are exempt.

Research and Development
The 50 years patient given to the pharmaceutical industry by the Reagan administration was a great thing for Americans and medicine in America. However, it has become something of a protectionist measure and a strand of American foreign policy.

Globalization
With the advent of globalization, borders have become much harder to defend. You can have made everything made in China, cheaper than you can have it made in your own county. Cheaper even when accounting for the material, the labor, the storage, the shipping and handling, tariffs and customs excise, and all other costs. Pharmaceuticals and crops often seem to be the exception. Prescription drugs are actually protected by trade protectionism and the strong arm of the FDA.

India
India
India has become a great player in global medical industry and service. More and more medical tourists come to India for such things as all manner of surgery, replacement organs, and of course cheap pharmaceuticals. It is expected foreign medical business will increase as the baby boomers become more decrepit, diseased, and in want of treatment.

Internet
Some Americans desperate for affordable drugs have turned to the Internet for prescription medicine. In a just society,

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