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Straight From Headquarters
STRAIGHT FROM
HEADQUARTERS ROBERT P. FISCHELIS, SECRETARY
Straws in the lVind
THE struggle between Government and private enterprise for control of industry, education, and health is continuous. As the proposals in the form of legislation are made to each session of Congress and one studies them as a whole, there are typical examples of extremes in one direction or the other. Whenever abuses occur in the development of industries, especially in the field of public utilities, public education, and public health, there come strong demands for the Federal Government to "take over." The 84th Congress was no exception to what has been the general rule in years past, wi th regard to suggestions for more governnlent in business and equally strong recommendations for more emphasis on private enterprise. But it can be stated quite correctly that while many of the suggestions for control in the field of education and health were extremely "liberal" there was due regard for the rights of private enterprise in most instances. This is due of course to the position taken by the President on most of these problems. Those who follow legislative proposals and administrative action carefully are always concerned with two phases of the proposals made. The first phase is that of the apparent immediate purpose of legislative proposals. Are they intended to meet a current situation and are they adequate to meet it? Secondly, what effect will the enactment of the proposed legislation have on the future? Will it set a precedent which may cause a trend in the direction of Government control that may prove to be highly undesirable?
I When the poliomyelitis vaccine first became available it was so extremely scarce that its proper distribution became a public problem. The problem was attacked by 560
laying down certain rules for distribution to which there was general consent because of the real need for the product and the necessity for establishing some system of allocation of the short supply. The Department of Health, Education, and Welfare through its Public Health Service was in immediate control over the production of the vaccine because it is a biological product. To produce biologicals requires a license from PHS, and such products are subject to quality control by this agency under the "Biological Control Act." The distribution phase of the vaccine became the subject of legislation and a N ational Advisory Committee was set up by HEW in order to assure equitable distribution based upon the occurrence of poliomyelitis and the most rational application to age groups susceptible to the disease. A system of allocations was worked out to assure distribution through public as well as private channels, as desired by the respective states, and this system worked effectively because of the wholehearted cooperation of the producing industry, the professions engaged in the distribution and administration of the vaccine, and the public agencies which watch over the health of the nation locally, statewise, and nationally. It was promised by HEW that Federal allocation controls would be removed as soon as possible and the criterion for removalof controls was to be the supply and demand situation as reported periodically by the producers and the public health agencies. I t has taken a full year to bring production of the Salk vaccine up to the point of balancing normal consumption demands. As was noted in our news columns the allocation restrictions have been removed as of August 1 and the vaccine will now flow in to the customary channels of trade as far as distribution for public and private use is concerned. Vol. XVII, No.9
PRACTICAL PHARMACY EDITION
While many have feared the establishment of a pattern for Government control in the production and distribution of the Salk vaccine which could be applied to biological products for which there is an established use, we have now reached a point where the pattern of return to normal channels of distribution is evolving just as it did in the case of penicillin when that essential antibiotic fir.st appeared on the medical horizon and was subject to careful allocation until the supply became adequate. This is all to the good and we believe that the procedure for handling the Salk vaccine, although its beginning was complicated by factors which are not so apt to recur, ha~ furnished a pattern for the handling of similar situations in the future which is not unsatisfactory either to the Government or to private industry. Both have learned much from the experience of the past year and a body of information has been accumulated which will furnish guidance for any similar future crisis. Furthernlore, mutual confidence has been inspired and should go far in evolving satisfactory relations for the future.
II
merce in such drugs, as provided in this Act, would discriminate against and depress inter-state commerce. " Regardless of the other proposals in this Act, many of which are unsatisfactory and would no doubt be modified as a result of hearings on the subject, the expression of intent contained in the enacting clause is something to which the entire drug industry and the professions engaged in medical care should give very serious attention. The Executive Committee of the National Drug Trade Conference at its meeting held on July 17 in Washington has already given this matter attention and it will be the subject of discussion at the Fall meeting of the National Drug Trade Conference. When it is remembered that the regulation of the practice of pharmacy as well as the practice of all of the other health professions is at present considered a function of the police powers of the several sta t es, and when it is remembered that there are competent law enforcement agencies in the states to deal with the distribution of essential drugs as well as with their unlawful possession, it is highly questionable whether turning over of these functions to the Federal Government, as is contemplated in the far-reaching declaration quoted above, should be encouraged. Certainly the declaration in the Boggs bill is a step in the direction of sanctioning Federal regulation of the professions and the distribution of all drugs. The warning has been sounded and it is up to the health professions to deal with this proposal constructively.
A more insidious encroachment by Government on private industry and the practice of medicine and pharmacy is inherent in a piece of proposed legislation dealing with regulation of the manufacture, compounding, processing, distribution, and possession of habit-forming barbiturates and amphetamines. This proposal was introduced by Congressman Boggs of Louisiana, in the form of H.R. 11108 commonly Pan-American Congress in Good referred to as the Boggs bill. The bill Bands did not receive serious consideration by LANS FOR the Fourth Pan-American the 84th Congress nor Were any hearings Congress of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, held on it. However, it would be well for which will be held in Washington, D. C., the drug industry and the medical and allied professions to give careful consideration to during the week of November 3, 1957, are the enacting clause which reads: "The now being pursued intensively by an organCongress hereby finds and declares that izing committee headed by Dr. Robert A. regulation of intra-state commerce in bar·- Hardt, Vice President of Hoffmann-La Roche, biturates and amphetamines is essential to Inc. He is gathering about him a strong the effective regulation of inter-state com- . committee of pharmaceutical industrialists, merce in such drugs, because in the form in educators, scientists and practitioners whose which they are consumed their place of interest in the project and ability to see origin ordinarily cannot be determined; and things through assures the success of this that the regUlation of inter-state commerce important venture. without the regulation of intra-state com(Continued on page 601)
P
September, 1956
561
PRACTICAL PHARMACY EDITION
Straight Frolll Headquarters • • • • • • • • • • • • • from page 561 (Pan-American Conference in Good Hands)
Announcement of the members of the organizing committee and the various subcommittees will be made in the near future and a Washington office has been set up with George B. Griffenhagen, Acting Curator, Division Medicine and Public Health, of the Smithsonian Institution's national museum as Executive Secretary.
Doose of Delegates To Meet November 10 and II DR. TROY C. DANIELS, chairman of the House of Delegates of the AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION has issued the official call for the meeting of the House of Delegates of the ASSOCIATION which is to be held November 10 and 11 in Washington, D.C. This interim meeting of the House is the first such meeting to be held since the by-laws were amended at the Detroit convention to provide for a meeting of the House, separate from the annual convention. Members of the ASSOCIATION who are not delegates to the House of Delegates are welcome to attend the meeting. The principal purpose of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for the 171 delegates to discuss important topics affecting the profession wi thout the distractions of an annual convention. Detailed information regarding the program and the topics for discussion will be supplied to members of the House by mail. The next annual convention of the A.PH.A. will be held in New York City, April 28 to May 3, with the Hotel Statler as headquarters.
Argentine Ph.A. Centennial THE CONGRATULATIONS of the AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION have been extended by radiogram to the officers and metnbers of the Asociacion Farmaceutica y Bioquimica Argentina on the completion of 100 years of progressive service to the profession of pharmacy in Argentina. August 12, 1856, marked the date of the origin of the Argentine Association. September, 1956
Health in the Party Platforms
Nowocratic THAT both the Republican and Demparties have completed their conventions and adopted their platforms, it is of interest to pharmacy to examine' these documents as they pertain to health matters. Both platforms list their allusions to health matters under the heading of "Welfare.'~ The Republican party refers favorably to past distribution of free vaccine against poliomyelitis. I t promises enlargement of Federal assistance for construction of hospi':· tals, low cost care of chronic diseases, and special attention to the problems of older persons, and increased Federal aid for medical care of the needy. Increases in research funds to intensify attacks on cancer, mental illness, heart disease and other dread diseases ar~ mentioned. Federal assistance to help build facilities to train more physicians and scientists; expansion and improvement of voluntary health insurance and providing re-insurance and pooling arrangements to speed progress in this direction are listed also as objectives. Strengthening the Food and Drug Administration and increasing the vocational rehabilitation program for the disabled are other favored projects. The Democratic Party urges adoption of measures to assure every citizen an opportunity for a full, healthy and happy life. To bring this about as far as health is concerned it pledges improvement in the public assistance program; better housing and health services for the aged; rehabilitation of the physically and mentally disabled; intensified medical and other research aimed at lengthening life and rendering a longer life more truly livable. The platform also refers to the shortage of medical and health personnel and facilities; the increased cost of hospital care beyond the financial capacities of most ' American families. Initiation of programs ' of Federal financial aid, without Federal controls, for medical education are pledged. ' Likewise, continuing and increased support for p.ospital construction programs, as well as increased Federal aid to public health s"ervices, "particularly in rural areas, is pledged. ' Medical research is to be supported vigorously, both publicly and privately, to , wage rejentless war on diseases afflicting body' and rFind~ It appears, from the foregoing, that the promises are about even. 601
HEADQUARTERS ROBERT P. FISCHELIS, SECRETARY
Straws in the lVind
THE struggle between Government and private enterprise for control of industry, education, and health is continuous. As the proposals in the form of legislation are made to each session of Congress and one studies them as a whole, there are typical examples of extremes in one direction or the other. Whenever abuses occur in the development of industries, especially in the field of public utilities, public education, and public health, there come strong demands for the Federal Government to "take over." The 84th Congress was no exception to what has been the general rule in years past, wi th regard to suggestions for more governnlent in business and equally strong recommendations for more emphasis on private enterprise. But it can be stated quite correctly that while many of the suggestions for control in the field of education and health were extremely "liberal" there was due regard for the rights of private enterprise in most instances. This is due of course to the position taken by the President on most of these problems. Those who follow legislative proposals and administrative action carefully are always concerned with two phases of the proposals made. The first phase is that of the apparent immediate purpose of legislative proposals. Are they intended to meet a current situation and are they adequate to meet it? Secondly, what effect will the enactment of the proposed legislation have on the future? Will it set a precedent which may cause a trend in the direction of Government control that may prove to be highly undesirable?
I When the poliomyelitis vaccine first became available it was so extremely scarce that its proper distribution became a public problem. The problem was attacked by 560
laying down certain rules for distribution to which there was general consent because of the real need for the product and the necessity for establishing some system of allocation of the short supply. The Department of Health, Education, and Welfare through its Public Health Service was in immediate control over the production of the vaccine because it is a biological product. To produce biologicals requires a license from PHS, and such products are subject to quality control by this agency under the "Biological Control Act." The distribution phase of the vaccine became the subject of legislation and a N ational Advisory Committee was set up by HEW in order to assure equitable distribution based upon the occurrence of poliomyelitis and the most rational application to age groups susceptible to the disease. A system of allocations was worked out to assure distribution through public as well as private channels, as desired by the respective states, and this system worked effectively because of the wholehearted cooperation of the producing industry, the professions engaged in the distribution and administration of the vaccine, and the public agencies which watch over the health of the nation locally, statewise, and nationally. It was promised by HEW that Federal allocation controls would be removed as soon as possible and the criterion for removalof controls was to be the supply and demand situation as reported periodically by the producers and the public health agencies. I t has taken a full year to bring production of the Salk vaccine up to the point of balancing normal consumption demands. As was noted in our news columns the allocation restrictions have been removed as of August 1 and the vaccine will now flow in to the customary channels of trade as far as distribution for public and private use is concerned. Vol. XVII, No.9
PRACTICAL PHARMACY EDITION
While many have feared the establishment of a pattern for Government control in the production and distribution of the Salk vaccine which could be applied to biological products for which there is an established use, we have now reached a point where the pattern of return to normal channels of distribution is evolving just as it did in the case of penicillin when that essential antibiotic fir.st appeared on the medical horizon and was subject to careful allocation until the supply became adequate. This is all to the good and we believe that the procedure for handling the Salk vaccine, although its beginning was complicated by factors which are not so apt to recur, ha~ furnished a pattern for the handling of similar situations in the future which is not unsatisfactory either to the Government or to private industry. Both have learned much from the experience of the past year and a body of information has been accumulated which will furnish guidance for any similar future crisis. Furthernlore, mutual confidence has been inspired and should go far in evolving satisfactory relations for the future.
II
merce in such drugs, as provided in this Act, would discriminate against and depress inter-state commerce. " Regardless of the other proposals in this Act, many of which are unsatisfactory and would no doubt be modified as a result of hearings on the subject, the expression of intent contained in the enacting clause is something to which the entire drug industry and the professions engaged in medical care should give very serious attention. The Executive Committee of the National Drug Trade Conference at its meeting held on July 17 in Washington has already given this matter attention and it will be the subject of discussion at the Fall meeting of the National Drug Trade Conference. When it is remembered that the regulation of the practice of pharmacy as well as the practice of all of the other health professions is at present considered a function of the police powers of the several sta t es, and when it is remembered that there are competent law enforcement agencies in the states to deal with the distribution of essential drugs as well as with their unlawful possession, it is highly questionable whether turning over of these functions to the Federal Government, as is contemplated in the far-reaching declaration quoted above, should be encouraged. Certainly the declaration in the Boggs bill is a step in the direction of sanctioning Federal regulation of the professions and the distribution of all drugs. The warning has been sounded and it is up to the health professions to deal with this proposal constructively.
A more insidious encroachment by Government on private industry and the practice of medicine and pharmacy is inherent in a piece of proposed legislation dealing with regulation of the manufacture, compounding, processing, distribution, and possession of habit-forming barbiturates and amphetamines. This proposal was introduced by Congressman Boggs of Louisiana, in the form of H.R. 11108 commonly Pan-American Congress in Good referred to as the Boggs bill. The bill Bands did not receive serious consideration by LANS FOR the Fourth Pan-American the 84th Congress nor Were any hearings Congress of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, held on it. However, it would be well for which will be held in Washington, D. C., the drug industry and the medical and allied professions to give careful consideration to during the week of November 3, 1957, are the enacting clause which reads: "The now being pursued intensively by an organCongress hereby finds and declares that izing committee headed by Dr. Robert A. regulation of intra-state commerce in bar·- Hardt, Vice President of Hoffmann-La Roche, biturates and amphetamines is essential to Inc. He is gathering about him a strong the effective regulation of inter-state com- . committee of pharmaceutical industrialists, merce in such drugs, because in the form in educators, scientists and practitioners whose which they are consumed their place of interest in the project and ability to see origin ordinarily cannot be determined; and things through assures the success of this that the regUlation of inter-state commerce important venture. without the regulation of intra-state com(Continued on page 601)
P
September, 1956
561
PRACTICAL PHARMACY EDITION
Straight Frolll Headquarters • • • • • • • • • • • • • from page 561 (Pan-American Conference in Good Hands)
Announcement of the members of the organizing committee and the various subcommittees will be made in the near future and a Washington office has been set up with George B. Griffenhagen, Acting Curator, Division Medicine and Public Health, of the Smithsonian Institution's national museum as Executive Secretary.
Doose of Delegates To Meet November 10 and II DR. TROY C. DANIELS, chairman of the House of Delegates of the AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION has issued the official call for the meeting of the House of Delegates of the ASSOCIATION which is to be held November 10 and 11 in Washington, D.C. This interim meeting of the House is the first such meeting to be held since the by-laws were amended at the Detroit convention to provide for a meeting of the House, separate from the annual convention. Members of the ASSOCIATION who are not delegates to the House of Delegates are welcome to attend the meeting. The principal purpose of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for the 171 delegates to discuss important topics affecting the profession wi thout the distractions of an annual convention. Detailed information regarding the program and the topics for discussion will be supplied to members of the House by mail. The next annual convention of the A.PH.A. will be held in New York City, April 28 to May 3, with the Hotel Statler as headquarters.
Argentine Ph.A. Centennial THE CONGRATULATIONS of the AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION have been extended by radiogram to the officers and metnbers of the Asociacion Farmaceutica y Bioquimica Argentina on the completion of 100 years of progressive service to the profession of pharmacy in Argentina. August 12, 1856, marked the date of the origin of the Argentine Association. September, 1956
Health in the Party Platforms
Nowocratic THAT both the Republican and Demparties have completed their conventions and adopted their platforms, it is of interest to pharmacy to examine' these documents as they pertain to health matters. Both platforms list their allusions to health matters under the heading of "Welfare.'~ The Republican party refers favorably to past distribution of free vaccine against poliomyelitis. I t promises enlargement of Federal assistance for construction of hospi':· tals, low cost care of chronic diseases, and special attention to the problems of older persons, and increased Federal aid for medical care of the needy. Increases in research funds to intensify attacks on cancer, mental illness, heart disease and other dread diseases ar~ mentioned. Federal assistance to help build facilities to train more physicians and scientists; expansion and improvement of voluntary health insurance and providing re-insurance and pooling arrangements to speed progress in this direction are listed also as objectives. Strengthening the Food and Drug Administration and increasing the vocational rehabilitation program for the disabled are other favored projects. The Democratic Party urges adoption of measures to assure every citizen an opportunity for a full, healthy and happy life. To bring this about as far as health is concerned it pledges improvement in the public assistance program; better housing and health services for the aged; rehabilitation of the physically and mentally disabled; intensified medical and other research aimed at lengthening life and rendering a longer life more truly livable. The platform also refers to the shortage of medical and health personnel and facilities; the increased cost of hospital care beyond the financial capacities of most ' American families. Initiation of programs ' of Federal financial aid, without Federal controls, for medical education are pledged. ' Likewise, continuing and increased support for p.ospital construction programs, as well as increased Federal aid to public health s"ervices, "particularly in rural areas, is pledged. ' Medical research is to be supported vigorously, both publicly and privately, to , wage rejentless war on diseases afflicting body' and rFind~ It appears, from the foregoing, that the promises are about even. 601