CMA welcomes Ottawa joining provinces, territories in bulk buying drugs - A Statement from Dr. Cindy Forbes, President of the Canadian Medical Association

VANCOUVER, Jan. 20, 2016 /CNW/ - Canadian physicians can think of no better way to start off a new era in intergovernmental co-operation for better health care for all Canadians than Tuesday's announcement that Ottawa is joining the provinces and territories in jointly negotiating savings for all publicly-funded drug plans.

Operating as the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance, the provinces and territories have completed more than 89 negotiations on brand name drugs and achieved price reductions on 14 generic drugs for a combined savings of $490 million. That the fifth largest health provider — the federal government — is now joining the alliance can only bode well for equitable Canadian health care.

But why stop there? Members of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) voted last year to urge the alliance to not only invite Ottawa to join its membership but the private health insurance industry as well. Private health insurance plans accounted for an estimated 36 per cent of prescription drug spending in 2014. The bigger bulk-buying muscle the alliance has the better, as far as the CMA is concerned.

As federal, provincial and territorial health ministers sit down together in Vancouver today, we extend our congratulations and encourage all levels of government to keep up the co-operative spirit for better health care for all.

--Dr. Cindy Forbes, President of the Canadian Medical Association

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 helping physicians care for patients. The CMA will be the leader in engaging and serving physicians and be the national voice for the highest standards for health and health care.

SOURCE Canadian Medical Association

CMA Media Relations, [email protected], 613-806-1865