Canada's innovative pharmaceutical companies share insights at Ontario's roundtable on national pharmacare

OTTAWA, Nov. 27, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, members of Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D) met with the Ontario government to provide informed insights at a roundtable on national pharmacare.

"We're pleased that the government of Ontario continues to open the lines of discussion with our industry and we look forward to further dialogue about our common goal, which is to ensure Canadians have access to the medicines they need," said Michael Tremblay, Chair of Rx&D's Board of Directors and President of Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc. "The ability to pay should not be a barrier. New medicines and vaccines improve the health and quality of life for patients and caregivers and they deliver significant value to governments by helping everyone avoid higher priced and more invasive interventions." 

A clear goal that puts patients' interests at the centre and guiding principles are key to making meaningful progress for patients when it comes to access to innovative medicines. During today's national pharmacare roundtable, members of Canada's innovative pharmaceutical industry laid out 10 key principles to a successful pharmacare program. These principles include:

1. Ensure the health system achieves best outcomes by providing access to a full range of medicines to meet diverse patient needs.
2. Maintain the prescriber-patient relationship and choice.
3. Address the gaps in care and access to treatment for those who cannot afford it.
4. Direct public funding to those most in need.
5. Consider the economic and societal benefit of medicines and vaccines.
6. Help Canada's healthcare system innovate and adopt the science and technologies of tomorrow that will improve future health outcomes.
7. Provide the best standard of care for all Canadians, not a race to the bottom, nor cost containment driven.
8. Respect provincial jurisdiction and autonomy in healthcare delivery.
9. Recognize the need for flexibility to allow provinces and territories to address their individual patient care priorities.
10. Take a holistic approach to healthcare systems and the role of pharmaceuticals within them.

"Innovative medicines are essential to the well-being of Canadians and of Canada's healthcare system. Rx&D is pleased to participate in the government's roundtable on national pharmacare and looks forward to future meaningful discussion as we work together to give Canadians world-class healthcare," said Russell Williams, President, Rx&D.

Rx&D has also restated it is committed to working with all levels of government and other healthcare partners to create an effective and sustainable healthcare system.

About Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies

Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies is the national association representing the voice of Canada's innovative pharmaceutical industry. We serve our membership by advocating for policies that enable the discovery, development and delivery of innovative medicines and vaccines to improve the lives of all Canadians. We support our memberships' commitment to being a valued partner in the Canadian healthcare system. We represent more than 50 companies investing over $1-billion in R&D annually, fuelling Canada's knowledge-based economy, while contributing over $3-billion overall to Canada's economy. Guided by our Code of Ethical Practices, we work with governments, private payers, healthcare professionals and stakeholders in a highly ethical manner.

SOURCE Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D)

Heather Brennae, Communications, Rx&D, Telephone: [phone] extension 527, E-mail: [email protected]