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"There are millions of people who are without the vital drugs they need because drug costs are so high. Not everyone can afford private coverage, especially young people, workers in precarious jobs, the unemployed and seniors; we need a system that is there for everyone." — Larry Brown, NUPGE President
Ottawa (02 April 2019) — Pharmacare coverage has been a piece of the health care that has always been missing. With the rising costs of prescription drugs, it's needed now more than ever to keep our communities healthy and strong.
Quest for pharmacare not new
"We've been pushing for a pharmacare program for decades now," says Larry Brown, President of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE). "This most recent federal budget is the first time I can remember having even tentative steps toward a national universal public plan."
The Liberals introduced a measure to create a new federal drug agency that would lead to the future development of a national formulary, and funding for the treatment of rare diseases.
"On the eve of a federal election, we take this step with cautious optimism," said Brown. "There are millions of people who are without the vital drugs they need because drug costs are so high. Not everyone can afford private coverage, especially young people, workers in precarious jobs, the unemployed and seniors, We need a system that is there for everyone."
"Right now, the Liberal plan is vague and unclear. People need action, not empty promises," continued Brown.
NDP releases its plan for pharmacare
On April 1, the federal NDP announced its plan, Medicine for All, to create a national pharmacare program that provides universal, public, comprehensive coverage to everyone in Canada. The plan intends to cover everyone in the country with the same quality benefits, no matter where people live.
"Canada is one of the few developed nations that does not have a pharmacare program," said Brown. "We are pleased that this conversation about a universal, public plan is moving in the right direction. We need to keep it going."