Worried About the FDA?
The New England Journal of Medicine today published two ‘Perspective’ articles on the responsibilities of the FDA and the total lack of responsibility of both the legislative and executive branches of government to support the FDA. Then the politicians turn around and criticize the FDA for their own failings. The FDA is given oversight responsibility by Congress to evaluate all drugs and medical devices. No-one in Congress has put a price tag on these legislated mandates. It is easier to criticise the FDA when they cannot carry out their assigned role. The Congressional Budget office recommends $multimillion increases to the FDA budget. It is clear that the politicians have no idea about the complexity of scientific accountability, or the time it takes ot hire, train and disperse staff. Even if they provide the funding required there is little evidence that the Executive Branch would pass the appropriation to the FDA., The FDA Commissioner is put in an untenable position and cannot criticize either the President or Congress. All of us who vote should remove every congressman who has failed to support the FDA and who criticizes the agency without providing the necessary resources. Yet, there are some who think Congress can fix our failed health system!!
