Too many Michigan communities fall through the cracks of our health care system
And it's getting worse, not better. Pharmacy closures continue to prolong the crisis. Across Michigan, pharmacies are closing at alarming rates, leaving many without a trusted resource for medical advice. Michigan saw a decline of 2,200 pharmacies in the first quarter of 2024 alone. Many Michiganders now have to trek long distances to pick up their prescriptions.
As much of healthcare shifts to digital, broadband has become an important commodity for Michiganders. Yet, in 2019, more than half of rural Michiganders lacked access to broadband internet. We've put Michiganders in a pickle: with closing pharmacies and broadband gaps, they're left isolated and alone without access to vital health resources.
But the Food and Drug Administration is planning to push crucial medication information online — even as the expiration of an important federal subsidy jeopardizes internet access for nearly a million Michigan households.
Last year, the U.S. Congress allowed the expiration of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which helped over 941,000 Michigan households pay for internet service. With no congressional action in sight, digital health records, telehealth appointments, and general health advice will become nearly impossible to access, potentially threatening the lives of thousands.
Even worse, the FDA is considering a regulation that would worsen public health access here in Michigan. The agency is considering two dangerous proposals that could make it even harder for Michiganders and their pharmacists to access critical health information. The agency wants to push Patient Medication Information — the leaflets that come with prescriptions detailing dosage, side effects and safety instructions — to a digital-only format, along with Prescribing Information — the printed guidelines pharmacists use to counsel patients on their medication plans — completely digital as well.
Digital-only medication and prescribing information could spell disaster for the thousands of disconnected Michiganders and their pharmacists. Patients could be left guessing how to take their medications safely, increasing the risk of dangerous drug interactions, improper dosage and serious health complications. Over 120,000 Americans lose their lives due to taking medications improperly every single year, and it could get even worse.
Michigan lawmakers may soon have a chance to act. Last Congress, a bipartisan coalition introduced the Patients' Right to Know Their Medication Act — a bill guaranteeing every patient printed, effective medication information. Congress must reintroduce and pass this legislation to protect patient safety. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI), as a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, can play a key role in raising awareness of this important issue and helping to build momentum and support for the bill's reintroduction.
Michigan's public health issues won't be solved overnight. Still, we can take commonsense steps right now: supporting community pharmacies, expanding broadband, and ensuring that every patient has access to vital medication information in print.
Congress must act now before the looming public health crisis gets even worse.
Milan Gandhi is the Vice President of Med-Share, a Southfield-based medical imaging company; chairman of the Small Business Association of Michigan's Political Action Committee; and board member for the National Small Business Association.
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: FDA regulation could make health info elusive in Michigan | Opinion
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