STATEMENT OF HDMA PRESIDENT AND CEO JOHN M. GRAY ON ENACTMENT OF LEGISLATION TO INCREASE PENALTIES FOR PHARMACEUTICAL CARGO THEFTS

ARLINGTON, Va., October 9, 2012 – John M. Gray, President and CEO of the Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA), issued the following statement after President Obama signed into law the Strengthening and Focusing Enforcement to Deter Organization Stealing and Enhance Safety Act of 2011 (SAFE DOSES Act, H.R. 4223/S. 1002). The legislation is sponsored by Congressman Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) in the House, as well as Senators Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Kyl (R-Ariz.):

“As longtime advocates for strengthening the nation’s healthcare supply chain, we are pleased that penalties have been increased for rogue criminals who steal and introduce diverted products into the system. Large-scale medical product theft continues to be a problem for the healthcare industry. Combined with the sophisticated security systems and practices that HDMA members and other industry stakeholders have put into place, these significant penalties will make it tougher for criminals to steal vital pharmaceuticals, and in the long run, protect patient safety by preventing compromised products from entering the legitimate supply chain.

About HDMA
HDMA is the national association representing primary healthcare distributors, the vital link between the nation’s pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers. Each business day, HDMA member companies ensure that nine million prescription medicines and healthcare products are delivered safely and efficiently to more than 200,000 pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics and others nationwide. HDMA and its members work daily to provide value and achieve cost savings, an estimated $42 billion each year to our nation’s healthcare system. For more information, visit www.HealthcareDistribution.org.