20 October 2017 - It’s often held up as an example to the world, but the Canadian system doesn’t cover essential medications – and a battle is under way for a national pharma plan.

In his campaign for universal publicly funded health care in the US, Bernie Sanders has repeatedly held up Canada’s system as an example, highlighting the pride Canadians take in the idea that medical care is a right for everyone.

But his legislation would aim to go further, addressing a critical shortcoming: that Canada is the only developed country in the world with a universal healthcare system that does not cover essential medications.

Read The Guardian article