Better Health Care for Canadians Begins with a Robust Strategy

TORONTO, Jan. 24, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) was pleased today to participate in a symposium discussing diverse issues concerning the misuse of prescription medications. Engaging key stakeholders in dialogue this way is an important step for the federal government to take as we look for leadership on the full range of issues related to the future of Canada's health care system.

"Today's discussion led by the Government of Canada and the Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse gathered a broad cross-section of individuals and groups dedicated to building a better system to improve patient care by reducing harms associated with misuse of prescription drugs," said CMA President, Dr. Louis Hugo Francescutti. "Let's build on this event to help bring forward the transformation Canada's health care system desperately needs."

Participants examined and discussed solutions to improving prevention, treatment, enforcement and prescriber practices and education issues. The CMA has recommended that all levels of government work with one another and regulatory agencies to develop a coordinated pan-Canadian system of real-time prescription drug abuse monitoring and surveillance (The Need for a National Strategy to Address Abuse and Misuse of Prescription Drugs in Canada).

"When we look at issues around misuse of prescription medication we see that it is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive, pan-Canadian strategy to fix," said Dr. Francescutti. "That really is the only way we'll fix the broader health system challenges such as the evolving needs of Canadian patients, many of whom are living longer, better lives, but with chronic and demanding conditions.''

Among other recommendations the CMA has called on the federal government to invest in a national seniors care strategy and to allow funding for health infrastructure to qualify under the next Building Canada Plan to support the construction, renovation and retrofitting of long-term care facilities (Healthier Generations for a Prosperous Economy). Dr. Francescutti said it is important that Canadians become aware of this fast growing problem.

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is the national voice of Canadian physicians.
Founded in 1867, the CMA is a voluntary professional organization representing more than 80,000 of Canada's physicians and comprising 12 provincial and territorial medical associations and 60 national medical organizations. CMA's mission is to serve and unite the physicians of Canada and be the national advocate, in partnership with the people of Canada, for the highest standards of health and health care.

SOURCE: Canadian Medical Association

Lucie Boileau, Senior Advisor, Communications and Public Outreach
Email: [email protected] Tel: [phone] ext. 1266 / Cell: 613-447-0866