Posted by Michael Wonder on 15 Feb 2018
Canadian patient groups call on Federal Health Minister to halt the process examining proposed amendments to the Patented Medicine Regulations pending constructive consultations
15 February 2018 - Patient feedback has not been considered – groups seek meaningful dialogue with Government and drug manufactures to find ways to preserve and balance issues of affordability, access and appropriate use.
Twenty-eight Canadian patient organizations, representing a wide range of patients with medical conditions, are leading a united voice to the Minister of Health and Health Canada to halt the current review of drug pricing in Canada. The organizations believe that advancing the current proposed drug pricing reforms under the mandate of the Patented Medicines Review Board (PMPRB) may well, ultimately, hurt patients and cause a substantial impact on access to new medicines and research investments that provide access to clinical trials in Canada.
Another issue for the patient organizations is that many of the reforms announced by Health Canada in December, 2017, did not incorporate the voices of organizations and patients, despite significant feedback provided in the pre-consultation period in June 2017. As such, the organizations are asking Health Canada to open a fulsome consultation process among all parties, including patient representatives, to identify solutions and ensure the pillars of Canadian healthcare are being upheld.
