I get it. We all must by this time. Big Pharma does not like 340B.
Cloaked in the concerns expressed about government transparency, program integrity, and hospitals and their indigent care rates is one underlying truth:pharmaceutical companies want to sell their drugs for the highest possible price and make as much money as possible. As such, they'd much prefer if the 340B program did not exist. It's that simple.
The goal of Big Pharma is not the clarification of rules or enhanced oversight - it is the absolute elimination of the 340B drug discount program.
I've witnessed first hand the great care that is provided throughout the country in FQHCs and rural hospitals in particular. Many, if not most, of these facilities rely on the 340B program to extend care in their communities and keep their doors open. The loss of these health care providers in our communities would be devastating.
While the megaphone might belong to the pharma companies right now, the politics should still be in favor of the safety-net providers and underserved patient populations that benefit from the program.
Every congressional district in the country contains safety-net providers and patients that rely on the 340B program. It is vitally important that community leaders let their congressional representatives know how important the 340B program is to their community - on a regular basis.
I’ve noticed a reticence of some people to actively speak up and defend the 340B program - including me up to now . This has to change. I encourage everyone who understands how useful and important this program is to our communities to speak up and be heard before it’s too late.
If you are interested in joining the conversation, but don’t know where to start, email me, and I will send you a link to contact your local politicians.
