Azar is sworn in as health secretary with Trump backing his ability to lower drug prices

Just after Alex Azar has been sworn in as the new Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) under President Trump, many have been asking the question if he will be able to make good on his claim to prioritise the reduction of prescription drug costs.

His nomination for the position, in November last year, was controversial not only because of the circumstances surrounding its necessity — the former health secretary was ousted for his use of a costly private charter plane — but also because of his ties to the pharmaceutical industry, namely that he was a top-level exec with Eli Lilly.

During his tenure with the pharma giant there were notable cases where drug prices were increased (such as that of insulin), which was thoroughly cross-examined during his Senate hearing. In a report from CNN, it was highlighted that democratic members of the Senate Finance and Health committees were particularly critical of his previous experience.

“I am alarmed he might not stand up to the pharmaceutical industry,” said Democratic Senator Patty Murray of Washington on the Senate floor Wednesday morning, as reported by CNN.

However, Trump has stressed that his new health secretary will get the job done, as reported in a news piece from CNBC: “[Azar] is going to get those prescription drug prices way down.” Drug pricing has been a bone of contention for Trump since the start of his presidency when he hit out at the industry saying it has ‘been getting away with murder’ so far.

Azar’s new appointment also comes at a time when there are reports that US families are struggling to pay for healthcare with many turning to crowdfunding for help, as reported by The Guardian. So, reducing the cost of prescription drugs could benefit those in need now more than ever and it will be interesting to see if Azar manages to make headway in this sector over the coming months.