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There is general consensus that Canada needs to implement a national pharmacare program but questions remain on how best to accomplish this for Canadians and their families, employers and governments. Large gaps and disparities currently remain in the availability and affordability of prescriptions drugs dispensed outside healthcare organizations across Canada. Implementation of a universal pharmacare program will go a long way in addressing the current patchwork of drug coverage, or lack thereof, across the country.
Nonetheless, the interests concerning healthcare organizations and hospitals are unique in this area and require equal attention. As such, HealthCareCAN has an important role to play in the discussion of universal pharmacare and the possible impacts on our members. We will continue to be an active participant in the conversation on universal pharmacare and represent the unique interests of our members, government and stakeholders, as well as the general public.
This issue brief outlines the considerations and implications for healthcare organizations that warrant equal attention in the national conversation on the merits and drawbacks of a national pharmacare program.
The United States’ federal government is taking steps to legalize bulk importation of Canadian pharmaceuticals in order to ease costs. This has provoked widespread concerns that such importation will cultivate or exacerbate drug shortages here in Canada. In recognition of these concerns, HealthCareCAN signed-on to a letter to the Health Minister requesting that the Minister take steps to prevent drug shortages arising from exports of Canadian drug products. HealthCareCAN and its advocacy partners subsequently met with Federal Minister of Health Ginette Petitpas Taylor on Monday, Aug. 12, 2019 to discuss federal measures to prevent these shortages.
Submitted to Finance Canada | January 25, 2019
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