Innovative Medicines Canada statement on the House of Commons Health Committee Study of Pharmacare

OTTAWA, April 13, 2016 /CNW/ - As the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health begins its study on the feasibility of a national pharmacare program, Innovative Medicines Canada issued the following statement:

"Innovative Medicines Canada is proud to be an integral part of our country's world-class healthcare system and believes that all Canadians deserve fair, equitable and affordable access to the medicines they need, when they need them.

"We are supportive of programs that ensure timely, improved and consistent access to medicines for all Canadians, in addition to addressing the gaps in care and access to treatment for those who cannot afford it. Across Canada there are a series of public drug programs offering varied levels of access.

"Today Canadians face average wait times of over 460 days, even after Health Canada approval, to access new, potentially lifesaving medicines through public drug plans. These serious issues must be addressed.

"Innovative medicines are essential to the well-being of Canadians and of Canada's healthcare system, and provide immense value to patients, to the healthcare system and even to Canada's economy through better treatments and cures for illnesses.

"We are committed to working collaboratively with governments and other health stakeholders toward sustainable solutions that ensure appropriate patient access to medicines."

About Innovative Medicines Canada

Innovative Medicines Canada is the national voice of Canada's innovative pharmaceutical industry. We advocate for policies that enable the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative medicines and vaccines that improve the lives of all Canadians. We support our members' commitment to being valued partners in the Canadian healthcare system.

SOURCE Innovative Medicines Canada

Sarah Douglas, Media Relations, Telephone: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]