I’m a retired doctor. Prasanth Reddy didn’t tell the truth on his ties to Big Pharma | Opinion

I’m a retired family doctor in Shawnee. I saw that high prescription prices seriously affected my patients’ lives. Many of them had to choose between buying their medications and covering daily expenses, like healthy food. Some even stopped taking their life-prolonging medications because they simply couldn’t afford them.

I agree with Rep. Sharice Davids: Americans shouldn’t be forced to pay the world’s highest drug prices for medications developed and made here in the United States, only to see them sold profitably at far lower prices abroad. That’s why I’m very concerned about her opponent Prasanth Reddy’s close ties to big pharmaceutical companies.

During a recent debate, Reddy boldly denied any connection to Big Pharma. He challenged Davids to “name one pharmaceutical company that’s given me a cent.” That remark was very misleading. His close relationship with drug manufacturers is so far out of the mainstream and voters deserve to know the truth.

His financial disclosure statements show that he was paid more than $78,000 from drug and medical device companies, with the majority coming from Merck & Co., a company that has sued to stop Medicare from negotiating lower drug prices. Reddy also holds up to $651,000 in pharmaceutical and lab science stocks, which he’s committed to keeping if elected. His campaign has even accepted more than $400,000 from groups linked to lawmakers who opposed lowering prescription drug prices.

Does this sound like someone who fights for everyday Kansans? It sounds more like a clear conflict of interest from someone who is looking out for himself. While Reddy claims he has no ties to Big Pharma, his financial records tell a different story. He stands to profit from higher drug prices.

On the other hand, Davids doesn’t own a single share of stock — in any drug company or any other company. Instead, she has a proven track record of working to make health care affordable.

She helped pass a law aimed at stopping surprise medical bills, protecting millions of people each year from unexpected charges that could lead to crippling debt. This law forbids charging patients for hidden fees associated with emergency care, surgery and procedures, saving people hundreds or thousands of dollars in medical bills.

Davids also helped to cap insulin prices at $35 a month for older adults and voted for the Inflation Reduction Act, which allows Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices. This bill will save about 74,000 Kansans up to 79% on certain prescriptions.

Reddy, however, called this law “unconscionable,” putting corporate profits above Kansans’ health. His record shows he’s more interested in protecting Big Pharma than lowering drug costs for the people he says he wants to represent.

The choice this November is clear. We need a leader like Rep. Davids who fights for patients, not profits. She’s consistently worked to lower prescription drug costs and make sure that Kansans get the high-quality health care they deserve. Reddy’s actions show he’s out of touch with the needs of everyday Kansans. He puts political connections and personal profits over practical solutions.

I firmly reject Big Pharma’s influence and wholeheartedly urge everyone to vote for Sharice Davids for a healthier future for all of us.