Call For National Pharmacare Program In Canada Grows Louder

An advisory council established by the Canadian federal government is recommending the country implement a universal, single payer public pharmacare program.

Canada_PiggyBank — Canada's proposed pharmacare program could make prescription drugs more affordable • Source: Shutterstock

Canada should introduce a universal, single-payer publicly funded pharmacare system, says a government appointed advisory council. Under the proposed plan a list of essential drugs would be made available by 2022 and a more comprehensive list by 2027. In addition, the council’s report recommends more measures to increase the use of biosimilars and generics.

Canada has no single provider of pharmaceuticals. Many Canadians access the drugs they need through work-based private plans, while provincial...