Archived News Releases: CPhA's Response to the National Pharmaceuticals Strategy Progress Report

(Ottawa, September 21, 2006) -

September 21, 2006, (OTTAWA) The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) welcomes the release of the National Pharmaceuticals Strategy (NPS) Progress Report. We are particularly pleased with the commitment to engage all stakeholders and move forward with initiatives outlined in the report. Encouraging progress has already been made in a number of areas, such as the development of a post market research study for Fabry's disease and the commitment to promote optimal drug use as a part of the common national formulary.

However, in CPhA's submission to the Romanow Commission, which was referenced in the report, we emphasized the importance of promoting appropriate drug utilization and the critical role that pharmacists would be able to play in achieving this goal. In his presentation at the news conference following the release of the NPS Progress Report, British Columbia Minister of Health, the Honourable George Abbott, recognized the importance of real-world safety and effectiveness in ensuring value for every dollar spent on pharmaceuticals. Given this recognition, we are disappointed with the lack of emphasis in the NPS report on medication management services that would help Canadians use their medications better.

The report's discussion regarding purchasing strategies appears to focus on a non regulatory business management approach as opposed to making use of the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) to regulate the prices of non-patented drugs. The non-regulatory approach appears to be administratively complex and possibly less cost effective. 'We were pleased to note that FPT governments will be monitoring the impact of Bill 102 in Ontario since we believe that negative effects may be felt by both pharmacists and patients' said Jeff Poston, CPhA Executive Director.

CPhA President, Brian Stowe, noted, 'The language used in the report is vague and we would be concerned if the proposals led to programs such as bulk purchasing, which have well documented deficiencies. It is important that governments do not treat drugs as commodities, but keep in mind that they are therapies that play a central and irreplaceable role in health care.'

Catastrophic drug coverage is clearly a high priority. It is perhaps not surprising therefore, that much of the progress to date appears to be focused on this issue. According to initial estimates, drug coverage based on a variable percentage of income appears to be more equitable than a fixed rate system. It is clear that, regardless of which method is chosen, governments must be prepared to provide significant new funding to ensure that all Canadians have adequate coverage to meet catastrophic drug costs.

CPhA is committed to working with governments and other stakeholders to ensure that all Canadians have access to safe, appropriate and cost-effective drug therapy.

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Louise Crandall, Manager, Public Affairs, at (613) 523-7877 #267 or lcrandall@pharmacists.ca. The Canadian Pharmacists Association is the national organization of pharmacists, committed to providing leadership for the profession and improving the health of Canadians.