USA's DHHS to investigate sudden hike in generic drug prices

At the urging of US Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Elijah Cummings, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Inspector General has agreed to investigate how sudden price hikes by generic drug makers are driving up the cost of taxpayer-supported health care.

It is unacceptable that Americans pay, by far, the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs. Generic drugs were meant to help make medications affordable for millions of Americans who rely on prescriptions to manage their health needs. We’ve got to get to the bottom of these enormous price increases,” said Sen Sanders (Independent, Vermont).

“It is outrageous that skyrocketing prices of generic drugs are preventing patients from getting the medications they need,” said Rep Cummings (Democrat, Maryland), adding: “I am very pleased that the inspector general has agreed to investigate how these price hikes are driving up costs to taxpayers."