So basically, make it not just for the rich, but for the poor as well.
The WHO doesn't actually say governments should be the ones funding the drugs. An alternative interpretation of what they've said is that the people who make the drugs should drop the price to make them more affordable, but that's obviously not going to happen because profits.
So you can probably assume, the bill lands with governments around the world. Now, that's a nice idea.
And given how effective these drugs are in dropping weight off people, it would probably make a massive difference to the obesity rates in New Zealand, but it is simply not affordable for New Zealand.
We have done the numbers before on the show. I'll run you through them again, OK?
The drugs cost $500 a month. There are 1.5 million Kiwis who are considered obese. If we funded these drugs for all the obese people in this country at the moment, it would cost this country $9 billion a year.
$9 billion is what we pay for all of our jails and the staff who run them. The Ministry of Justice, the whole court system, customs and our police force and our entire defence force.
That is how much money $9 billion is.
It is not affordable for us, it's not a one-off either.
You don't just pay for it for a year and everybody's fat problems are solved and on we go with life and everybody can eat what they want to.
These drugs, according to the WHO, are meant for long-term use.
So that's $9 billion every single year, and the minute these people come off the drugs, they get fat again, right?
So you have to keep funding it.
Not a chance.
Here's the happy news though.
These drugs come off patent or start coming off patent in about 3 months, 4 months' time, which means that in short order, you can expect to buy knockoffs for knockoff prices.
Which means punters who want to lose weight should be able to fund it themselves, and that is ultimately where the buck should stop, isn't it?
Heather du Plessis-Allan is a journalist and commentator who hosts Newstalk ZB's Drive show.
3 comments:
I thought one lost weight by reducing one's intake of Calories, which costs nothing and in fact saves money by reducing food bills. Silly me, wrong again - one loses weight by boosting the profits of drug companies. Oh well, now I know.
The WHO has exactly zero credibility. The best way to lose weight is to simply stop eating. You can do this even for extended periods - e.g. until you reach your target weight (might take some a year or more!). Fasting is definitely doable, with the benefit also of saving heaps of time and money, not leaving one with excess skin, and delivering overall much healthier outcomes. But all health professionals already know this, right?
Fasting is free - easy to do - incredibly effective - and solves a range of other lifestyle diseases at the same time.
(Proven to reverse type 2 diabetes/ reduce risk of dementia and alzheimers - as well as slowing progression/ proven to reduce risk of numerous cancers)
It is also free from life threatening side effects such as thyroid cancer and suicidal ideations.
The WHO is completely devoid of credibility - perhaps WHO stakeholders hold shares in Novo Nordisk....there is no reason for them to promote this drug over free and health giving alternatives.
Just skip a couple of meals folks - you'll not only be spending less on food, but you won't be buying any nasty drugs.
Post a Comment