Canada

The state sued the FDA over what it said was a “reckless delay” in approving its drug importation plan. Nearly a year after the federal officials gave the green light, the program has yet to begin.

They grapple over cases where pain might be alleviated by money, adequate housing or social connection, and express deep discomfort with ending lives of people whose deaths were avoidable.

It's our monthly medical roundtable, when we dive into the month's most significant health headlines.

HHS issued a summary about a Jan. 12 discussion between Secretary of Health Xavier Becerra and Canadian Health Minister Mark Holland.

Florida Hospital Association president Mary Mayhew tells "The Florida Roundup" that she hopes people can start benefitting from the program within the year.

Alex Azar advanced Canadian drug importation as Donald Trump’s secretary of Health and Human Services. Now he chairs the board of a company managing Florida’s importation program.

Health Canada said “bulk importation will not provide an effective solution to the problem of high drug prices in the U.S." while noting it would ensure Canadians have access to the medications they need.”

The FDA said Florida’s program will be authorized for two years. Approval comes after months of wrangling that led to the state filing two lawsuits against the agency.

Colorado officials say they haven’t been able to stand up a program to import drugs from Canada because of drugmaker opposition — and the Biden administration’s inaction.

The FDA had been expected to decide by next week, but a back-and-forth between state and federal officials about details of the proposal means the wait will continue, a court document says.