Pharmaceutical(Pill Mills) Industry Regulate and profitability - Research Paper Example

Pharmaceutical [Pill Mills] Industry Regulation & Profitability Introduction Pill Mill is a word used to describe a doctor, clinic or a pharmacy that prescribes or dispenses powerful narcotics inappropriately and without knowledge in the field for non- medical reasons. They give pharmacologists and doctors’ fraternity a bad image and at the same time put people’s lives at risk. They have weird operations like treating all pains with pills only, lack of physical examination, there is no examination of medical history, patients are directed to their pharmacies only, patients pick the medicine of their choice, and the mode of payment is always cash.

Due to their short business span in a given location, they have huge crowds waiting to see the doctor and they have body guards just in case of invasion. This is misuse of pharmaceutical industry which calls for immediate action to protect lives of citizens and health sector (Drugs Policy Alliance, 2007).Question 1: Is pharmaceutical industry regulated? If yes, how does the Pill Mills get regulated?Yes, the pharmaceutical industry is regulated. Secondly, the law requires a medical professional to write prescriptions if you want to move large amount of pain killers in America.

There is also existence of Healthcare Distribution Management Association [HDMA] which controls the supply of narcotic substance. Finally, DEA’s power to suspend/revoke licenses of distributors in case of ethical malpractices acts as control measure (United States-Canada Regulatory Cooperation Council, 2011).Question 2: Who regulates the industry?DEA regulates the industry by formulating the policies to govern production, distribution and prescription of narcotic substances. Also HDMA in its management on distribution of health care products and combating drug abuse role.

Food and Drugs Administration [FDA] is a regulator in that it supervises food safety, dietary supplements, prescriptions of over- the- counter medicines, blood transfusion and other medical and dietary specializations.Question 3: How does the regulation have the impact on Pill Mills ability to do business?As discussed above Pill Mills are not legitimate and their operations involve procurement of sub-standard drugs and supplements which are then prescribed to patients inappropriately. Law enforcement and implantation of drugs policy Acts make it hard for these businesses to transact.

For instance, regulation of the amount of pain killers to be produced by DEA and monitoring of distribution channels by HDMA will affect their supply and establishment of their quack businesses. In addition, proper scrutiny of food and narcotic products by FDA makes it difficult for Pill Mills to establish their business (FDA’s International Post, 2010).Question 4: How profitable is the Pill Mill business and how regulation affects its profitability?Pill Mills are established with an immediate response to the common problems especially pain.

Their pricing is low compared to other health centres, there are no examination costs and the fact that they get substantial drugs and refers patients to their chemists; necessitate them to make super normal profits. Regulation affects their profitability negatively in that they cannot procure cheap drugs; their core business establishment is illegal and abolishment of their operations and channels (Harry & Will, 2008).ConclusionHealthcare is a sensitive field which requires qualified professionals.

Without proper regulation and monitoring of the health sector by the involved stakeholders, will lead to rise in Pill Mills whose activities is a threat to health and tarnishes the image of the health sector.ReferencesDrugs Policy Alliance: a journal of Mission and Vision: May3, 2007.Harry J. & Will O.(2008). The Murderers: The Story of the Narcotic Gangs, 3 ed, New York: Farrar, Straus and Cudahy.John, S. (August 5, 2013). "How DEA program differs from recent NSA revelation on drugs”. Retrieved August 5, 2013.

FDAs International Posts: Improving the Safety of Imported Food and Medical Products in America”. USFDA. Retrieved April 10, 2010United States-Canada Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC) Joint Action Plan: Developing and implementing the Joint Action Plan of the next decade”. Washington, D.C.: Office of the Prime Minister of Canada. December 7, 2011.