Retired doctor describes Reddy’s position as a “clear conflict of interest”

In a new Kansas City Star guest column, a retired Shawnee physician voiced strong concerns over Prasanth Reddy’s connections to Big Pharma. During a recent debate, Reddy denied any ties to pharmaceutical companies, yet the doctor’s column highlights that his financial records tell a different story:

• Reddy has personally earned over $78,000 from drug and medical device companies. 
• Reddy holds up to $651,000 in pharmaceutical stocks he’s committed to keeping.
• Reddy’s campaign has accepted more than $400,000 in campaign contributions from groups opposing drug price reform.

In contrast, Representative Sharice Davids has a proven track record of fighting for affordable health care, from capping insulin costs for seniors at $35 to allowing Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices. Davids holds no personal investments in pharmaceutical companies — or any company — aligning her focus solely with Kansans, not corporations.

Read the full essay in the Kansas City Star: “I’m a retired doctor. Prasanth Reddy didn’t tell the truth on his ties to Big Pharma”

“I’m a retired family doctor. […] I’m very concerned about Dr. Prasanth Reddy’s close ties to big pharmaceutical companies.

During a recent debate, Reddy boldly denied any connection to Big Pharma. He challenged Rep. 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 over $78,000 from drug and medical device companies. … 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, Representative Sharice 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. 

[…]

Davids also helped to cap insulin prices at $35 a month for seniors 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 percent 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.

[…]

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