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 and territorial plans offer differing levels of coverage. Some plans...