In a bold move aimed at tackling the rising cost of medications in the United States, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order mandating pharmaceutical companies to lower prescription drug prices within 30 days. The directive, issued during his administration, was positioned as a significant step toward improving drug affordability and reducing the financial burden on American patients.
The executive order specifically targeted medications under federal health programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, instructing drugmakers to engage in negotiations and implement price reductions or face potential regulatory actions. The policy sought to align U.S. drug prices with those paid in other developed nations, where prescription medications often cost significantly less.
“American patients should not be forced to pay more for the same drugs than citizens in other countries,” Trump said during the announcement. “This order ensures that the American people are finally put first when it comes to healthcare costs.”
The 30-day deadline put pressure on pharmaceutical companies to either lower prices voluntarily or risk further government intervention. The order was one of several measures introduced during Trump’s term aimed at reforming the pharmaceutical pricing system, a key issue for voters and lawmakers alike.
While the order was met with support from consumer advocacy groups and many patients, it also sparked strong opposition from the pharmaceutical industry. Major drug manufacturers criticized the directive, arguing that it could disrupt supply chains, stifle innovation, and lead to reduced access to certain medications.
Industry analysts noted that the executive order’s impact would depend heavily on how enforcement mechanisms were structured and whether pharmaceutical companies would comply voluntarily or challenge the policy in court. Legal and regulatory battles were anticipated, as the administration pushed to make drug pricing reform a cornerstone of its healthcare legacy.
Healthcare policy experts also emphasized the need for a long-term solution, warning that executive actions, while impactful, could face reversals or modifications under future administrations.
Despite the controversy, the executive order marked a high-profile attempt to address a long-standing issue in the U.S. healthcare system—soaring prescription drug prices that place a heavy financial strain on millions of Americans.
Source : Swifteradio.com
