Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Mixed reactions to Ottawa's new drug safety proposals

From CBC News:
Federal government proposals to change the way drug safety is monitored in Canada have drawn a mixed response.

On Tuesday, consumer safety legislation was tabled in the House of Commons that includes requirements for health-care institutions to report adverse drug reactions, demands continuing surveillance of drugs after they've been approved and raises fines for unsafe drugs from $5,000 to a minimum of $5 million.

While some experts say the new rules will improve the government's ability to protect the public, critics say it has the potential to expose Canadians to more risk.

Dr. Joel Lexchin, a York University professor in Toronto, says he's concerned that the bill would give the federal health minister the ability to fast-track drug approvals. ...more

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