2025 Summer Fellow

Ritika Jayaprakash

Ritika Jayaprakash is a student from Frisco, Texas with a strong interest in healthcare policy, journalism, and public health advocacy. Influenced by her family’s background in medicine and community health, she has pursued research and leadership opportunities that explore the intersections of healthcare access, economics, and social equity. Ritika has served as a health policy intern, chapter president for a biomedical outreach organization, and a TEDx speaker on youth mental health and chronic conditions. Her work spans policy analysis, scientific research, and public communication, reflecting her commitment to bridging the gap between complex policy issues and public understanding. She plans to continue engaging in initiatives that promote equitable healthcare systems while fostering informed civic dialogue.

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The Impact of 2025 U.S. Tariff Policies on Healthcare Supply Chains and Patient Access

Capstone Project

In 2025, expanded U.S. tariffs on pharmaceuticals, APIs, and medical devices from China and India sought to reduce foreign dependence but instead strained supply chains, raised drug prices, and restricted access for vulnerable communities. This brief examines the economic and health impacts, using Texas as a case study, and considers interventions such as tariff exemptions for essential goods, domestic manufacturing incentives, and a federal–state emergency procurement program. It concludes that a hybrid approach—immediate tariff relief paired with long-term production incentives—best protects patient care while advancing trade policy goals.

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