Drug imports hurt healthcare

The outrageous cost of prescription drugs and super profits of Big Pharma are seen as obstacles to providing adequate healthcare to millions of Americans. (“China scrutinized in blood thinner problems,” Feb. 14.)

The solution of importing drugs from countries that charge lower prices is ruled out for safety reasons. Fair enough; better to be cured than sorry.

Now we learn that the corporations charging outrageous costs and making major profits import ingredients from abroad -- presumably because they are cheaper -- that kill and injure patients.

Am I missing something? I’ve checked Barack Obama’s and Hillary Rodham Clinton’s health plans and this issue isn’t mentioned, so I guess everything is fine. Right?

Tony O’Doherty

Bermuda Dunes, Calif.