US Free Trade Agreement will make Aussie drug prices rise

Aren't Bush's biggest backers the Drug Companies ?..they must hate subsidised medecine in Australia..despite Bush lover Howard claiming drug prices would not rise under a US Free Trade Agreement it looks like they will::

**********************
New fears on drug prices threaten FTA
By David Uren, Economics correspondent
June 14, 2004
"DRUG prices will rise under the US free trade agreement, and the economic gains from the deal will be a fraction of the $6 billion claimed by the Howard Government.

These concerns are outlined in a special study commissioned by the Senate committee reviewing the proposed agreement. The findings, scheduled for release this week, could mean the FTA faces increased opposition in the Senate.

In the sensitive area of pharmaceuticals, the report finds the patent provisions in the deal could delay the introduction of generic drugs to the Australian market."


http://theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,9836615%255E601,00.html