Blame for High Cost of Medicine Is Misplaced

Dr. Melvin Kirschner, through some very convoluted logic, seeks to somehow place the blame for expensive medications at the feet of HMOs, pharmacy chains, hospital chains and the government (“Costly Medications Can Put Good Health Out of Reach,” March 5). His vehicle to gain our sympathetic attention is the poor, the elderly and the underrepresented who, according to his thesis, are forced to go without needed medicines because of exorbitant costs.

He somehow feels that the big-volume purchasers force prices upward for individuals while at the same time reducing them for themselves. This is probably as true as the fact that he can buy his milk and eggs cheaper at the chain supermarket than at the corner “Mom and Pop” grocery--and for exactly the same reason.

He also blames these chains for substituting generic drugs which “sometimes” aren’t of the same quality or content. I’m sure there are those who would argue that point, but that aside, he must know all the physician need do is write the brand name and “no substitutions” and it will be filled as prescribed.

In my view, it would appear that the good doctor is really more concerned about giant HMOs infringing on his decision-making rights as a physician. If he wants more independence in his workplace and lower pharmaceutical prices, he might start by kicking out the drug manufacturers’ “detail men” and not accepting their bribes of free samples. He can get all the information he needs on the Internet. Think of the prices that could be lowered if the salesmen and their “free” samples weren’t coming ‘round to his door.

JIM CLINTON

Woodland Hills