Released on October 1, 2003
Health Minister John Nilson urged the federal government to strengthen regulations that prohibit direct-to-consumer advertising practices of pharmaceutical companies in Canada.Nilson made a presentation today in Saskatoon to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, which is reviewing prescription drug policies in Canada.
"Drug costs are the fastest rising cost in Canadian healthcare, so it is imperative that the federal government address practices of pharmaceutical companies that are leading to these increases," Nilson said.
"Consumer advertising of prescription drugs can lead to inappropriate and unnecessary prescription drug use. It drives up the cost of health care and undermines the efforts of physicians, pharmacists and others to promote optimal drug therapy," Nilson said.
The minister noted that in the United States, where direct-to-consumer advertising is unrestricted, spending has nearly doubled on retail drugs since 1997 when advertising rules were relaxed.
"Drug manufacturers in Canada are continuing to push the boundaries of the current Canadian legislation and are lobbying to have the advertising legislation loosened," Nilson said. "The federal government should not relax the regulations that prohibit this advertising in Canada. Current regulations should in fact be strengthened and loopholes closed."
Nilson also urged the federal government to review pharmaceutical industry practices related to patent protection, specifically the practice of using multiple patents to prevent cheaper, generic drugs from reaching the marketplace.
"The federal government must take action to ensure that Canadians have timely access to generic drugs," Nilson said.
Nilson also recommended that the federal government regulate non-patented medicines since Canadian prices for such drugs are 21 to 51 per cent higher than other industrialized countries.
An important goal of the Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care is to identify changes that would lead to a more effective, better managed and higher quality health care system. Nilson said pharmaceutical policy is one area where there is an opportunity to control health care costs through better management.
Drug plan payments in Saskatchewan rose from $43 million in 1993-94 to $133 million last year. Drug expenditures represent over 16 per cent of healthcare costs in Canada.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Mark Rathwell Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083 Email: mrathwell@health.gov.sk.ca Cell: (306)537-3593 |