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Canada's Public Drug Plan Future Uncertain
21 Nov
Summary
- No new pharmacare agreements have been signed since last year.
- Federal budget lacks new funding for national drug coverage expansion.
- Four provinces have signed deals, leaving others in limbo.
Canada's national pharmacare initiative is in a state of uncertainty, as the federal health minister confirmed that no active discussions are underway with most provinces and territories to expand coverage. The recent federal budget also omitted dedicated funding for new nationwide agreements, raising concerns among advocates about the program's future.
More than a year after the Canada Pharmacare Act was passed, committing to agreements for contraceptives and diabetes medications, only four provinces and territories have finalized deals. Health Minister Marjorie Michel stated that while conversations continue, no new agreements are imminent, citing differing provincial demands on medication coverage.
This lack of progress, coupled with the federal budget allocating no new funds for future deals, has led to criticism. Pharmacare advocates highlight that the existing agreements only cover a fraction of the population, creating a significant disparity in Canadians' ability to afford necessary medications.
