A universal drug plan is overdue. Many countries have them included in their coverage. However, drug companies do enjoy a patent on their latest discoveries. Anti-gouging regulations should prevail but they should also be able to make a reasonable profit for their effort.

The US example is probably the worst extreme with few regulations against drug advertising, gouging, and they have a long patent period. Drugs are not a commodity where we can let the market decide the price. I many cases it means life or death.