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The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the risks of relying heavily on foreign countries for medications and medical supplies, particularly when those countries, like China, restrict exports. As a result, there have been shortages of essential drugs, such as chemotherapeutics, and common generics like amoxicillin, posing significant challenges to healthcare.
Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley expressed serious concerns about this issue during a recent presidential primary debate, stating that we need to support American companies and prioritize domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing. This sentiment is shared by many Americans, not just those in the medical profession.
Haley is correct in emphasizing the importance of supporting domestic production instead of relying on companies that aid China. The dependence on China for pharmaceutical ingredients and finished products is a national security and public health crisis. Currently, nearly 90% of the chemical ingredients needed for antibiotics and other medications are sourced from China.
Since 2016, U.S. pharmaceutical imports from China have increased by 655%. (Reuters/Damir Sagolj)
This overreliance on China poses significant risks, not only for our troops but for the entire population. If an adversary has the ability to provide tainted or ineffective products, our national security and public health are compromised. It is imperative that we regain control of our medication supply chain.
THE LOOMING THREAT OF CHINA’S CHOKEHOLD ON OUR MEDS
In 2015, China unveiled a 10-year plan aimed at dominating high-tech industries, including bio-medicine. They have heavily subsidized these industries and implemented policies favoring their domestic companies while penalizing foreign competition. As a result, U.S. pharmaceutical imports from China have skyrocketed by 655% since 2016, with antibiotics being particularly affected.
Amoxicillin, a commonly used antibiotic, is an illustrative example of this issue. The only remaining American manufacturer of amoxicillin finished doses is located in Bristol, Tennessee. Despite its historical importance and the employment it provided to Americans, the plant has faced numerous challenges over the years.
While American plants struggle, the federal government continues to support Chinese manufacturers, missing key opportunities to strengthen our domestic supply chain. In contrast, countries like Austria and France have invested significant sums to support their own domestic antibiotics operations.
Redirecting contracts to domestic companies would allow them to expand their operations, create stable jobs, and enhance national security.
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By 2049, China aims to achieve dominance in these industries, further exacerbating our vulnerability. With healthcare relying on a supplier like China, shortages of essential drugs and disruptions in the supply chain are already occurring. It is crucial that our federal leaders prioritize purchasing from American manufacturers to secure our medication supply.
President Biden may not have caused this problem, but he has the opportunity to address it. The health and well-being of all Americans are at stake, and it is in our best interest to manufacture critical medications and their ingredients domestically. This is a bipartisan issue that demands immediate action to prevent another crisis and protect vulnerable Americans.
Let’s prioritize domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing to enhance our national security and public health.
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