Canadian Pharmacists Association renews call for federal government to protect drug supply in light of U.S. drug importation developments
July 31, 2019 (Ottawa): In light of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Azar’s introduction of the Safe Importation Action Plan today, it’s now clear that there is support from the U.S. federal administration, which brings us one step closer to permitting the importation of Canadian drugs into the United States.
The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) believes the Canadian medicine supply is not equipped to support both Canadian and U.S. consumers, and will make existing drug shortages in Canada even worse, disrupting patients’ access to their medications. Drug shortages have ‘greatly increased’ in the last 3-5 years according to a newly released survey of Canadian pharmacists.
CPhA is calling on the federal government to clearly express its opposition to U.S. drug importation, and immediately develop an action plan to respond to these proposals including restricting exportation of drugs from Canada to the US.
Related Links
- CPhA Drug Shortages and Recalls Survey of Pharmacists
- CPhA Drug Shortages Survey of Canadians
- ASOP Canada urges Health Canada to protect Canadian drug supply in wake of U.S. drug importation legislation, along with 14 other Canadian health stakeholders
About the Canadian Pharmacists Association
The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) is the uniting national voice of pharmacy and the pharmacist profession in Canada. As pharmacists undertake an enhanced role in the delivery of health care services, CPhA ensures that the profession is recognized as a national leader in health care, influencing the policies, programs, budgets and initiatives affecting the profession and the health of Canadians.