Advances in medicines have reduced hospital stays and have played a prominent role in long-term prevention. This great social benefit is produced from both private and public support. Most of the drug research and development has been financed largely by taxpayers' money and philanthropy, itself a public contribution. While the public's health has benefited from these advancements, the public has not benefited financially. In fact, the public has been exploited while an elite cartel of scientists and marketeers have won windfall after windfall .
Drug companies claim their research is responsible for a very high percentage of new drugs.
It is estimated that pharmacy costs will be almost one-fourth of the average patients' medical costs by 2002, exceeding hospital costs for the first time in history. Part of the prescription for relief lies in adding drug coverage to Medicare benefits. And, as noted, the public has already contributed significantly to the research. Public accountability is a natural ingredient of a universal health system. Until that time comes, take two aspirin and call your legislators.