By Illinois Public Radio
Springfield, Ill – Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has written letters to the Canadian prime minister and President Bush asking for the borders to remain open to drug importation.
Canadian authorities are considering cutting off access to other countries. Illinois' I-SaveRx program uses Canadian pharmacies to ship lower cost prescription drugs into the state.
While outlawing the practice is only a proposal at this point, the idea is gaining support in Canada where drug makers are threatening to limit supplies.
Blagojevich spokesperson Abby Ottenhoff says it would have a negative impact in the U-S.
"In the end, it's the American consumers who lose out if they can't get their prescription drugs at prices they can afford from places like Canada," Ottenhoff said.
Canadian authorities could take up the matter this month. Ottenhoff says if Canada bans prescription drug shipments out of that country, I-SaveRx will expand its network of pharmacies in Ireland and the United Kingdom.