Arizona on the Move - FDA - Improvements Needed

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FDA - Improvements Needed

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Tuesday, 02 December 2008
Serious Changes Need to Be Made in the FDA With the increasing number of failures in oversight and the release of dangerous drugs, serious changes are essential for revamping the FDA. It is charged with the oversight of about 25% of US spending including prescriptions, surgical implants such as heart valves and other medical devices, the blood supply and food. It is apparent that there has been a leaning toward industry as opposed to consumers' interests. The FDA is important to our protection and also in regulating industries. With the failures of various drugs they have approved, e.g. Vioxx, Avandia and a number of others, there is large general concern from the public. The agency has not provided sufficient oversight of the safety of our food supply as has been illustrated by the recent major outbreaks of E. coli in spinach and salmonella in both peppers and spinach while more attention is given to the drug side. The food supply has been endangered by the agency's inability to monitor goods being imported from other countries such as foods, drugs and raw materials, contaminated toothpaste from China, tainted food that killed hundreds of beloved pets, contaminated milk products from melamine (in infant formula, animal foods, candy and more imported from China) and contaminated blood thinner heparin that led to the loss of the lives of at least 81 Americans and caused hundreds of serious illnesses, and the use of bisphenol A in plastic baby products and others. Changes that need to be made: Establish stricter regulations and standards, Increase oversight and inspections at manufacturing plants abroad, Update and integrate its outdated computer systems, Reorganize the Agency, Return to the use of science as a basis of decision making, Develop strategies and guidelines for dealing with new technology including genetic breakthroughs, nanotechnology, bioengineered (GMO) foods and cloned animals. Return to the prohibition of advertising of pharmaceuticals on television which would dramatically reduce the costs of drugs. Doctors need to make the decisions about which drugs are most important for their patient's well-being, not consumers. Appointment and hiring of effective, knowledgeable and ethical leaders that will help to reestablish the public's trust.
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 02 December 2008 )