Monday, May 10, 2010

Advocates want life-saving drugs made available to all residents

From the Daily Gleaner (NB):
Advocates calling for a universal catastrophic drug plan in New Brunswick say the province has to find a way to make access to these life-saving medications available to every citizen.

New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island are the only two provinces in Canada without catastrophic drug plans.

Two weeks ago, PEI Finance Minister Wes Sheridan announced the province would commit an additional $1.3 million to cover several new drugs for the provincial formulary.

In New Brunswick, the bi-partisan committee behind the poverty reduction plan has committed to making changes that will first protect low-income residents before exploring ways to introduce an expanded universal plan in the future.

Ellen Snider, manager of public issues for the Canadian Cancer Society of New Brunswick, said those promises should be commended, but she also believes the changes should be implemented more quickly. ...more

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