No More Free‑Riding: Why the U.S. Must Defend Medical Innovation

A recent op‑ed in The Washington Times, titled “No Global Freeloading on Medical Innovation” and authored by the executive director of the Washington Healthcare Innovation Council (WHIC), highlights a critical issue in global healthcare policy.

The piece emphasizes that while the U.S. drives a majority of medical innovation, other countries often impose strict price controls or undervalue groundbreaking therapies, effectively allowing them to benefit from American R&D without contributing fairly.

Key points include:

• Ensuring fair value for innovation – Adequate returns are essential to continue developing lifesaving therapies.

• Leveraging trade policy – The U.S. can use trade relationships to encourage equitable pricing and investment in innovation.

• Protecting American patients – When innovation is undervalued globally, costs are often shifted back to U.S. patients and taxpayers.

The op‑ed frames this as an urgent national issue, emphasizing that sustaining America’s leadership in medical innovation is essential to continuing the development of new cures and therapies.

Read the full article here: washingtontimes.com