With the current Canada Health Accord set to expire in 2014, the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) is urging premiers to work with Ottawa to create a universal public drug program.
Although premiers committed to the establishment of such a program in 2004, no steps have been taken yet. “Each year, we lose billions by not moving forward with this long-promised program, and, more importantly, millions of Canadians go without adequate access to medically required medications,” says Linda Silas, CFNU president.
As the federal government continues to unload costs to the already struggling provinces, it makes sense to take cost-effective measures such as purchasing drugs in bulk, Silas says.
Canada is the only country in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development that offers universal public healthcare but lacks a pharmacare plan.
Canada’s current prescription drugs system is plagued by “massive waste and excessive costs, and leaves too many people unable to afford their medicine,” says Marc-André Gagnon, an assistant professor with the School of Public Policy & Administration at Carleton University.
While a universal public drug plan would not solve all problems, it could help to increase drug access, lower drug costs, improve practices and ensure sustainability, Gagnon explains.
He says the recent adoption of bulk-purchasing agreements is a good first step in controlling costs. But he adds that more actions need to be taken, such as improving access for all Canadians by establishing a national formulary, which would also strengthen the safety and security of medications.
Representatives of Canada’s life and health insurance providers also agree that the prescription drug system needs to be overhauled. The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association says the current regime is not equitable in terms of access and pricing.
Read more: