The Ontario government’s point-woman on pushing through controversial generic drug pricing reforms is stepping down, according to media reports.
Helen Stevenson, assistant deputy minister and executive officer, Ontario Public Drug Programs, has indicated that she will be returning to the private sector. For the past three years Stevenson has guided Ontario Drug Benefit procurement policies and more recently headed up negotiations with the pharmacy industry and generic drug manufacturers over price controls and professional allowances.
Such efforts reportedly earned her harassment and death threats, eventually requiring a security detail.
According to reports, Stevenson was planning to leave once the generic drug reforms had been finalized, indicating that discussions with pharmacy are over. Media reports indicate she will step down this summer.
To comment on this story, contact us.