SEIU Welcomes Better Access to Lower-cost Drugs

TORONTO, April 7 /CNW/ - A move by the Ontario government to provide better access for patients to lower-cost generic drugs was welcomed today by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

The fastest-growing union in Canada applauded the announcement by the provincial government to lower the cost of generic drugs to at least 50 per cent for workplace drug plans, people who pay out-of-pocket, and the Ontario drug benefit program. The reforms will also prohibit hidden payments to pharmacies by generic drug companies.

"It took political courage to stare down drug companies and big box pharmacy chains. But the result is savings for taxpayers and members of drug benefit plans, plus better value for patients," said Sharleen Stewart, head of SEIU Canada.

The government has promised to reinvest the savings in increased annual funding for access to drugs and to fund new pharmaceutical services in rural Ontario.

For further information: Pat Chastang, Media Relations, SEIU Canada, [phone]