Weekly Top Stories: Canada Leads Global Debut of Awiqli®, Novo Nordisk’s once-weekly insulin icodec injection
This edition highlights progress in diabetes innovation, here led by Novo Nordisk, and which speaks to ongoing efforts to revolutionize treatments and enhance patient outcomes not just in Canada, but around the world. The highlight of the week is undoubtedly Novo Nordisk’s introduction of Awiqli® (insulin icodec injection) in Canada, making it the world’s first once-weekly basal insulin available for diabetes treatment starting June 30, following its approval by Health Canada on March 12, 2024. This marks a significant addition to diabetes care led by Novo Nordisk with the world’s first once-weekly basal insulin. According to the company, this new insulin option aimed to improve glycemic control and will alleviate the burden of daily injections for the over 4.1 million Canadians with diagnosed diabetes, addressing a significant need as a majority expressed interest in less frequent administration regimes. Kate Hanna, speaking on behalf of Novo Nordisk, highlighted the positive reception from private drug plans, stating, “We are seeing positive early signals that private drug plans see the value Awiqli provides patients living with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.” In connection, Dr. Richard Dumas, the director of the Laval Clinical Research Centre, discussed the drug’s convenience and suitability for basal insulin users initiating treatment in a TV Anouvelles report. In the article, Sylvie Lauzon, President of Diabetes Quebec, was also featured and she stated that research and innovation were crucial in assisting with diabetes management. Additionally, the Canadian Press, Weekly Voice, and Zoomer Radio featured two endocrinologists who shared their thoughts on the matter. Dr. Harpreet Bajaj, head of Diabetes Canada’s clinical practice guidelines steering committee, highlighted the significance of Awiqli, particularly for Canadians with type 2 diabetes, noting its potential to alleviate the daily injection burden. Dr. Alexander Abitbol, assistant medical director at LMC Healthcare, emphasized the new insulin’s benefit in managing blood sugar levels more consistently over a week, potentially reducing long-term complications associated with untreated diabetes. However, both of them also brought up concerns over the drug’s higher cost compared to daily insulin shots. According to them, this factor could affect accessibility, despite its anticipated positive impact on diabetes management. Canadians with diabetes talked about the convenience of using Awiqli® as it lowers their frequency of taking insulin shots in a City News Everywhere interview. They also called for insurance coverage for this new diabetes medication. Beyond diabetes care, this week also witnessed significant investments in aging and brain health solutions as the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) announced a $9.5 million investment through its Mentorship, Capital, and Continuation Program to support innovation in the aging and brain health sector, aligning with Canada’s National Dementia Strategy. Companies like QurCan Therapeutics and PragmaClin are among the beneficiaries, with investments targeting cognitive and age-related disorders and digital health solutions for Parkinson’s disease, respectively. Have access to the latest news in your industry, contact us today!
Weekly Top Stories: Statistics Canada Study Reveals Slowing Growth in the Pharmaceutical Industry
This week’s edition includes insights from a recent Statistics Canada report, revealing a concern about the growth of Canada’s innovative pharmaceutical industry, and an analysis from the Winnipeg Free Press, highlighting the high stakes surrounding the Pharmacare bill currently under Senate review. The innovative pharmaceutical industry’s research and development (R&D), operating profits, and employment rate have recorded slowing growth, according to a new Statistics Canada report. The pharmaceutical industry reported that its added value to the gross domestic product only increased from $15.9 billion to $16 billion, tallying a $2.2 billion loss and a 4.9% decline in employment in 2021. Despite the decline in key measures, Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC) highlighted the industry’s impact on the Canadian economy. According to the IMC, the innovative pharmaceutical industry has invested nearly $3 billion in R&D, generating 102,000 jobs. Shifting to legislative proceedings surrounding Bill C-64, the Pharmacare Act, witnesses from the heads of the Canadian Association for Pharmacy Distribution Management (CAPDM), the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions, and JDRF Canada were present during the Standing Committee on Health (HESA) May 24 meeting. Angelique Berg, President and CEO of CAPDM, supported the bill’s goal of balancing medication affordability and access but cautioned against potential negative impacts on the supply chain and drug pricing. Linda Silas, President of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions, urged legislators to pass the bill and advocated for a universal, single-payer pharmacare program. Although, Jessica Diniz, President and CEO of JDRF Canada, emphasized the need for equitable and affordable access to medications and devices for managing type 1 diabetes, she supported the bill’s goals while recommending that it include provisions. However, Dr. Durhane Wong-Rieger, President and CEO of the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders, expressed concerns about the bill’s implications for the rare disease community, saying that only 5% of rare diseases have effective therapies, with many patients facing delays and access barriers. The Winnipeg Free Press provides a critical analysis of the ongoing efforts surrounding the Pharmacare bill, stating that it “could be a crowning achievement for the federal Liberal-NDP alliance,” if they get it right. The op-ed outlined major concerns on the ambitious bill, including high costs and operational problems. If passed, the first phase of Pharmacare will cost $1.5 billion over five years, but a full coverage program will amount to $40 billion annually, translating to higher taxes for Canadians. Furthermore, the federal government’s operational problems on the dental care program does not bode well for Pharmacare. In other news, the Strongest Families Institute, a charity offering phone-based mental health programs for children and families, has expanded its services in Newfoundland and Labrador. Health Minister Tom Osborne re-announced a $500,000 investment from Budget 2024, allotting resources for anxiety, depression, and behaviour issues. The provincial government of Newfoundland and Labrador also invested over $450,000 from its Research and Innovation Fund to support Memorial University’s acquisition of the Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry system. The state-of-the-art equipment will enable research in chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis. Try our full-spectrum monitoring today!
Is the fog starting to lift around national pharmacare?
Is the fog starting to lift around national pharmacare? If Missouri is the “Show Me State”, HESA could be forgiven for being thought of as the “Show Me Committee” – at least when it comes to its examination of the Government of Canada’s national pharmacare legislation and what it could mean for patients living with diabetes. In recent hearings, the degree to which legislators and stakeholders alike sought clarity as to what exactly the government meant by national pharmacare and how it planned to proceed, made it clear that uncertainty was the only thing that was clear when it came to pharmacare. And, it’s not surprising, given the degree of confusion expressed by stakeholders, experts, and parliamentarians alike when it comes to the Government of Canada’s national pharmacare legislation, Bill C-64, which passed third reading in the House of Commons last week. The lack of clarity is a major concern for diabetes patients, given that diabetes has been the focus of the government’s first phase of its roll-out of its universal pharmacare plan. For one, the government’s proposed list of diabetes medicines represents just a small fraction of diabetes medications on the market today, with some of the most important diabetes medications missing altogether and representing a major misalignment from published, evidence-based, guidelines. In oral testimony and written briefs from those working to improve access to diabetes medications, significant questions were raised about how the government’s plan might impact on the availability of excluded products, could exacerbate drug shortages which are already an issue for diabetes medications and, indeed,generally make things worse for the 70% of Canadians who already access their diabetes medicines through private insurance. For some time, Canada’s approach to national pharmacare and, in particular, Bill C-64, has been a kind of Rorsarch Test for the entire community of health leaders and patient advocates. The Swiss physiciatrist and psychoanalyst, Hermann Rorshach, of course became famous for his famous inkblot tests which now bear his name. Those tests famously were designed to reflect the unconscious parts of one’s personality by encouraging a kind of projection of one’s inner self onto the visual stimuli represented by the nondescript inkblots. One could be forgiven for making the connection upon stumbling upon the transcripts from the debate and various witness testimony at HESA. It truly is difficult to believe that everyone is speaking about the same piece of legislation. The degree to which we simultaneously see people’s greatest hopes, as well as their most dreaded fears, projected on to the map of Canada’s three-page national pharmacare legislation is a wonder to behold.Pharmacare either represents the dawning of a whole new era for improved patient access or a nightmare waiting to unravel. “Trust us,” seems to be the government’s response, as it punts the answers to many of the questions to future decisions yet to be made. Fortunately, however, the fog may be lifting somewhat, thanks to health minister Mark Holland’s appearance before the committee. For one, it is clear that – whatever rhetoric one might use – the approach to national pharmacare will not be universal, single-payor, nor will it truly be national. Instead, if Holland is to be taken at his word, what we should expect to see is a series of bilateral agreements with provincial governments designed to enhance access to diabetes medicines (and devices), along with contraceptives, for that province’s population. And while it appears that a national formulary may establish a minimum standard for coverage (a bare bones “burlap cloak” as it was described at committee), the expectation is that provincial public plans would go beyond that and that private insurance coverage could continue to provide and augment what public plans will offer. Whether it accomplishes all this, without undermining existing coverage and wildly distorting the overall market for diabetes medications and devices in Canada, remains to be seen: too much of what Minister Holland is describing is dependent upon negotiations with the provinces which, he claims,he cannot begin until Bill C-64 is proclaimed into law. While there is still much that is unknown, at the very least, the minister’s comments at committee do appear to provide some clarity around the edges. That is a welcome development, indeed. View Minister Holland’s remarks at Committee here For transcripts of witness testimony or to access the 36 written briefs submitted to the committee, please click here
Weekly Top Stories: Mixed Reactions as Pharmacare Act Moves Toward Universal Drug Coverage
This week’s edition included notable advancements in healthcare reform, which featured both positive developments and heated discussions. Also a number of significant shifts in the political landscape, including major cabinet changes in Ontario. The recent passage of Bill C-64, the Pharmacare Act, through the House of Commons brings Canada a step closer to a universal, single-payer national pharmacare program. The bill, sponsored by Health Minister Mark Holland, received praise from healthcare professionals, labour activists, and patient advocates, who view it as a major advancement in healthcare. However, the bill has faced criticism from insurance and corporate lobbyists. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce, in a statement from Senior Vice President Kathy Megyery, expressed concerns about its potential impact on the private insurance plans of 27 million Canadians. Further, Stephen Frank, President and CEO of the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association, emphasized the need to amend the bill to ensure it aligns with Minister Holland’s assurances that existing workplace benefits will not be affected, thereby preserving choice and preventing potential gaps in drug coverage. However, the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario and the Canadian Labour Congress urged the Senate to swiftly pass Bill C-64 and prioritize Canadians’ health over pharmaceutical and insurance industry interests. Both groups emphasized the bill’s potential to enhance healthcare, alleviate financial burdens for families, and ensure control over sexual and reproductive health. In an open letter addressed to all Senators, Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC) emphasized the importance of careful consideration regarding the Pharmacare bill. IMC is urging for measures that elevate Canadians’ access to innovative medicines. IMC’s statement reflects its commitment to ensuring that any proposed Pharmacare program maintains high healthcare standards. While these developments are welcomed, it’s crucial to remain vigilant, especially in light of the data revealed by Manulife Canada’s Employee Health Report. The report revealed two alarming trends in the Canadian workforce, including increased use of obesity medications and a notable uptick in prescriptions for substance abuse. Manulife Group Benefits aggregated claims data and found that the use of anti-obesity drugs has increased 42.3% year-over-year, amounting to 91.9% since 2021. Additionally, Canadians’ use of substance abuse disorder drugs has increased by 17.2% year-over-year. These findings underscore the pressing need for comprehensive healthcare solutions to address these growing health challenges among Canadians. The expansion of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) represents another significant step in improving overall healthcare access. Minister Holland recently expressed frustration with the dental community’s reluctance to fully support the CDCP, despite extensive efforts to address their concerns. As of now, the program boasts the participation of over 10,500 oral health providers, with more than 2 million seniors already approved for coverage. The initiative, aimed at providing essential dental care to Canadians lacking private insurance, is set to undergo a major expansion on June 27 to include children under 18 and people with disabilities; a move that will make 1.2 million additional Canadians eligible. This expansion is part of a gradual rollout that began on May 1 for seniors, with plans to extend to all Canadians aged 18 to 64 by January 2025. Ultimately, the CDCP aims to cover a quarter of Canadian residents without private dental plans, reflecting a $13 billion investment over five years. In other news, on the last day of the legislative session, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a major cabinet shuffle following the resignation of Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s education minister since 2019, was appointed as the new Minister of Energy and Electrification, switching roles with Todd Smith. According to Ontario’s news release, other changes include Stan Cho as Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, Lisa Thompson as Minister of Rural Affairs, Rob Flack as Minister of Farming, Agriculture and Agribusiness, Mike Harris as Minister of Red Tape Reduction, and Natalia Kusendova-Bashta as Minister of Long-Term Care. Get our full-spectrum monitoring today; book a free consultation with us to learn how!
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s Policy Primer begs the question, “Are We Ready to Address Ontario’s Opioid Crisis?”
Ontario is in the midst of an unprecedented substance use and overdose crisis. With several municipalities declaring states of emergency, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce(OCC) has recently stepped forward with the release of a comprehensive policy primer that highlights the urgency of addressing this crisis through a balanced, evidence-based approach. Delphic Research’s reporting on the primer’s release was ranked as one of our top stories included in our weekly re-cap, which I’ve linked here. The OCC’s policy primer developed through extensive consultations with healthcare professionals,business owners, community leaders, and public health organizations. Input was gathered from local chambers and boards of trade, and industry-specific initiatives(such as those led by the construction industry). The primer also drew insights from other regions, such as Alberta’s focus on a recovery-oriented care model and BC’s experience with harm reduction approaches. The opioid crisis doesn’t just affect individuals and families; it has far-reaching consequences for communities and local economies. As the policy primer notes, the substance use and overdose crisis significantly impacts businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises. The construction industry and other high-risk sectors are particularly impacted, with a high prevalence of opioid-related fatalities and substance dependency among workers noted . This scenario is not sustainable for business owners who are ill-equipped to handle the fallout from the addiction crisis. The publication of the primer comes just ahead of the imminent release of the findings of the province’s “critical incident review” of its supervised consumption sites following the tragic death of a 44-year old mother of two,hit by a stray bullet near an east-Toronto site. It’s widely expected that there view may have implications for the approval of any new sites, which have been on pause since the announcement of the review last October. The OCC’s policy primer emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that integrates harm reduction with comprehensive treatment services, ensuring that individuals receive the support they need at every stage of their recovery journey. Given that the number of people receiving treatment for Opioid Use Disorder has not seen an increase over the last three years, it would seem to suggest that providing more support towards treatment service may be a good step towards getting that balance right. Making progress won’t be easy, but it needs to be done. The path forward will require collaboration among businesses, government, healthcare providers, and community organizations, as well as those living with substance abuse challenges today.By working together, we can develop and implement solutions that respect the dignity of individuals, reduce stigma, and ultimately save lives. Is Ontario ready to embrace the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s call for action?
Weekly Top Stories: Ontario Chamber of Commerce Calls for Urgent Action to Tackle Substance Abuse Crisis
This week has been marked by developments across Ontario as healthcare providers and the government grapple with pressing issues ranging from substance abuse to a critical shortage of family doctors and the expansion of dental services. As the province contends with more than 3,000 annual drug poisoning deaths for the fifth consecutive year, translating to over eight deaths per day, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) demanded urgent action to address the escalating substance abuse and overdose crisis in Ontario. With frontline businesses facing increasing security costs and declining customer traffic, the report, “Beyond Emergency Declarations: Charting Ontario’s Course Through the Substance Use and Overdose Crisis,” seeks to bridge knowledge gaps, advocate for evidence-based solutions, and emphasize the importance of prioritizing public health principles to prevent mortality and enhance recovery outcomes. The crisis, highlighted by the rising toxicity of the drug supply, declining mental health, and stigma within healthcare settings, disproportionately affects northern, remote, and rural communities with limited access to support services. “Without urgent action, our province faces devastating, long-term socio-economic harm,” Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the OCC, warned. Meanwhile, in response to Renfrew County’s alarming spike in opioid-related deaths, local law enforcement, spearheaded by Inspector Stefan Neufeld, Detachment Commander of the Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), enforced proactive measures in hopes of addressing the opioid crisis in rural Eastern Ontario and slowing down the drug trade in the Ottawa Valley. Patrol units are now equipped with naloxone kits that reverse overdose effects from opioids like heroin, morphine, fentanyl, carfentanil, and codeine. An outreach patrol was also launched, partnering mental health professionals with patrols”to allow a trained professional to deal with the underlying psychological issues.” Neufeld also enhanced the Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) to tackle the influx of illegal drugs and associated crimes more effectively. The substance abuse crisis is not the only healthcare challenge facing Ontario. The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) is urging the development of a comprehensive healthcare strategy to address the critical shortage of family doctors in northern Ontario. A report by the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) in January 2024 highlighted the severe impact of Ontario’s healthcare crisis on rural communities, urging provincial action. Presented at the 2024 ROMA Conference, the report, “Fill the Gaps Closer to Home,” offered 22 recommendations to enhance primary and mental health care services in these areas. According to Global News, the Ontario Ministry of Health claimed there is no significant issue with the recruitment and retention of doctors, despite the OMA’s warnings of a severe family doctor shortage affecting over two million residents. This stance comes amid contentious arbitration over physician compensation, with the OMA seeking substantial increases to address inflation and low previous raises. Dr. David Barber of the OMA criticized the provincial government’s position as dangerously dismissive, arguing it downplays the critical need for more family doctors in the province. While addressing these challenges, the federal government is also working to expand its dental care plan to include children under 18 and people with disabilities. However, tensions are mounting between the oral health community and the government. With over one million Canadians soon eligible and over 19,500 providers yet to sign on, only about 10,500 providers have committed since May 2024, despite federal Health Minister Mark Holland’s efforts to address concerns over administrative burdens and patient privacy. The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) and the Ontario Dental Association have previously told the Star they’re in contact with Holland’s office and have had promising discussions, but that some of their concerns are unanswered or have yet to be enshrined in the plan’s terms and conditions. Additionally, in an effort to bolster national research and development, the federal government has also allocated $858.7 million through the Strategic Science Fund(SSF) to 24 research institutions, including the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) and the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI). For the latest industry news and insights, book a free consultation with Delphic Research today!
Weekly Top Stories: Federal Government Rejects Toronto’s Drug Decriminalization Request; Announces $200 Billion Investment in Public Healthcare
The week unfolded with intense discussions over Toronto’s drug decriminalization request, igniting passionate debates over drug policy reform and public health priorities. The federal government, led by Mental Health and Addictions Minister Ya’ara Saks, has officially rejected Toronto’s request to decriminalize the possession of small quantities of illegal drugs for personal use, citing public health and safety concerns. The decision was influenced by the lack of support from key stakeholders, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who celebrated the decision in his X post. This refusal follows Toronto’s extensive efforts since early 2022 to address the overdose crisis through decriminalization and public health measures. Experts like Guy Felicella from British Columbia argued that treating substance use as a health issue is essential, criticizing the decision as a step backward. Moreover, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, stressed the urgent need for other evidence-based interventions to combat the drug toxicity crisis. Mayor Olivia Chow has called for federal and provincial collaboration on comprehensive treatment and support programs. Despite the setback, experts and officials, including those in British Columbia, continue to argue for treating substance use as a health issue rather than a criminal one. Premier Doug Ford also requested a pause on approving new safe supply sites and a review of existing ones, citing concerns about diversion and public safety. Following the contentious decriminalization debate, attention shifted to a massive healthcare investment, with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland unveiling health investments “for every generation” under the 2024 federal budget, earmarking over $200 billion over ten years to bolster public healthcare. The budget will also allot a 5% year-on-year increase for Canada Health Transfer payments to provinces, $77.1 million over four years for foreign healthcare workers, $500 million for the Youth Mental Health Fund, and $3.2 million over three years to address drug shortages. Amidst the optimism surrounding healthcare investments, controversy brewed over the federal budget’s stance on free contraceptives, highlighted by Health Minister Mark Holland. This ignites a crucial dialogue on sexual and reproductive health rights, accentuating the complexity of healthcare policies amid moral and ethical considerations. Despite calls for legislative protections for abortion rights, the Trudeau government is opting for service expansion through provincial collaboration rather than enshrining such rights into law. Meanwhile, revisiting Canada’s Assisted Human Reproduction Act after two decades is raising concerns about safeguarding individuals seeking reproductive technologies. Simultaneously, Health Minister Mark Holland announced at the Parliamentary Committee Meeting that the federal government is willing to add more medications to the drug list covered by Pharmacare, with hopes high for improved access to medications. Conservative MP for Cumberland-Colchester Dr. Stephen Ellis questioned why certain drugs, including semaglutides, are not included in the national drug plan. The present list, described by Holland as the “bare minimum,” may continue to grow following provincial negotiations. In addition, healthcare workers join the conversation, advocating for Bill C-64, An Act respecting Pharmacare. In an open letter, Linda Silas, President of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions, urged Parliamentarians to prioritize the urgent need for affordable medications in Canada, highlighting how cost barriers lead to worsened health conditions and unnecessary hospital visits. Do you want to have a more comprehensive rundown? Book a free consultation with us today!
Weekly Top Stories: Doug Clark Steps Down as pCPA CEO
We believe it is appropriate to emphasize the significant advantage our clients gain from our Executive Daily Briefings (EDBs) in this week’s edition. With our EDBs, you’re not just kept in the loop; you’re ahead of the curve. You can have exclusive access to breaking news that can shape your decision-making and ultimately give you a competitive edge. Delphic Research Group learned from trusted sources that Doug Clark will no longer be serving as CEO of the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA). At this point, little is known about the motivation or cause. Clark, who began his role on September 11, 2023, was the first CEO of the pCPA and facilitated its transition to a standalone organization. Under his guidance, the organization was expected to issue a new strategic plan outlining the goals for the organization beyond 2024. Following Clark’s sudden departure, pCPA announced that its Deputy CEO, Dominic Tan, will assume the role of interim CEO. In the coming weeks, the recruitment process for a permanent CEO will start. Meanwhile, the Ontario government is hiding data that it needs 33,000 more nurses and 50,000 more personal support workers by 2032, according to The Canadian Press. The Ontario NDP called on Premier Doug Ford to fire Health Minister Sylvia Jones following her claim that the province is not struggling to recruit and retain family doctors. After redacting the human resources data in a freedom of information (FOI) request by Global News, the provincial government argued that releasing the information would push unions to demand higher wages. As a response, Service Employees International Union President Sharleen Stewart, said that the province is “not serious” about its efforts to address the workforce shortage problems in Ontario, citing the government’s refusal to increase wages and improve working conditions. NDP leader Marit Stiles also criticized Minister Jones’ comments, saying that the recruitment and retention of physicians cannot keep up with the healthcare demand. When Stiles asked Ford whether he would fire Jones, the premier avoided the question and highlighted the province’s recent investments in healthcare. To support this argument, a survey by World Education Services titled Counting on Care: A Survey of Internationally Educated Nurses Not Working as Nurses in Ontario revealed that over half of internationally educated nurses in Ontario are not yet registered, with financial constraints and unclear registration processes being major obstacles. With changes in leadership and workforce challenges, transparency remains a crucial factor in shaping policy discussions. In an analysis, Nikolas Barry-Shaw and Donya Ziaee of the Council of Canadians called out the lack of transparency and conflicts of interest in op-eds opposing Canada’s national pharmacare program. The article pointed out that these critiques came predominantly from policy experts affiliated with research institutes claiming to be independent but having direct financial ties to the pharmaceutical and insurance industries, sectors that stand to lose from the implementation of a public pharmacare program. Moreover, the federal government’s underestimation of the cost by $388 million raises questions about the accuracy of cost estimations and financial planning in healthcare initiatives. Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) Yves Giroux, a non-partisan oversight officer of Parliament, estimated that the total cost of the Pharmacare program will amount to $1.9 billion over five years. The PBO explained that its computation, although still highly uncertain, is based on the assumption that both public and private coverage terms in provinces and territories will remain the same. The total cost of Pharmacare may still increase or decrease, depending on the number of covered drugs. Shaw then claims that the $388 million difference from the initially projected amount is insignificant, citing that the offset is less than 1% of the total federal spending. The first stage of Pharmacare will provide universal, single-payer coverage of diabetes medication and contraceptives. Stay updated and have exclusive access to our trusted sources. Book a free consultation with us today!
Weekly Top Stories: British Columbia on Public Drug Use
In response to mounting concerns stemming from its decriminalization pilot program, British Columbia has reverted to a ban on public drug use. Originally intended to treat addiction as a health issue rather than a criminal one, the three-year pilot faced backlash due to unintended public drug consumption. Health Canada swiftly approved the amendment, signalling a nuanced approach that prioritizes public health while addressing community safety. Federal Mental Health and Addictions Minister Ya’ara Saks made the announcement on Parliament Hill about the immediate implementation of the change. In addition to this, Mike Farnworth, the B.C. Public Safety Minister, emphasized the importance of maintaining safe and welcoming environments in public areas like parks and hospitals, prompting the decision. He also noted that law enforcement will now have the authority to intervene in instances of illegal drug use, aiming to redirect individuals to health services while reserving arrests for extreme cases endangering public safety. B.C. United’s Elenore Sturko, MLA for Surrey South, said that the decision shifts the burden of the toxic drug crisis back onto the police. As the debate over drug policy intensifies, voices of concern join the conversation. The Globe and Mail reported that critics, including Brittany Graham from the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users, noted that the recent drug policy change in British Columbia that recriminalizes public drug use could lead to more deaths among drug users. In an opinion piece published in The Grove Examiner, MP for Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan Garnett Genuis stated that the compassion-driven decriminalization and “safe supply” programs have been proven ineffective in addressing addiction among current users and have resulted in new addictions. Amidst the ongoing challenges to public drug use, there’s another looming threat that demands our attention: our glaring unpreparedness in response to pandemics. In response to this, the federal government has allocated $575 million to enhance Canada’s health security preparedness through projects at 14 research institutions. However, despite this investment, Canada still lacks an equivalent of the U.S.’s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to provide clear governance and authority for planning, testing, and preparedness. According to the Public Policy Forum’s report, “The Next One: Preparing Canada for another health emergency,” this absence was starkly revealed during the pandemic, prompting calls for a Canadian BARDA with a mandate to detect and respond to health emergencies swiftly. Researchers at the University of Alberta have secured nearly $100 million in federal grants to lead cross-Canada research on developing vaccines, diagnostic tests, and treatments against various pathogens. This funding reflects Canada’s commitment to fortifying its biomanufacturing capabilities and readiness for future health crises. In parallel, the federal government is launching the Integrated Network for the Surveillance of Pathogens: Increasing Resilience and Capacity in Canada’s Pandemic Response (INSPIRE) project, a $15 million cross-border research endeavour aimed at enhancing pandemic resilience by monitoring pathogen movements and improving the connection between health systems and supply chains. INSPIRE will partner with academics in Michigan, Ohio, and New York, where many supply chains supporting Canadian industry originate. In other news, in a virtual event “Shaping the Future of Health Care with New Technologies, Devices and eHealth Innovations,” hosted by Research Canada and the Parliamentary Health Research Caucus brimming with promise and potential, Canadian researchers take centre stage, showcasing groundbreaking advancements in healthcare technology and delivery. The event, sponsored by organizations like the ILC Foundation and Innovative Medicines Canada, showcased how technology is transforming healthcare delivery and access in Canada. With presentations from 12 esteemed researchers, the event facilitated collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders, highlighting the latest advancements and opportunities for innovation in eHealth. With more than 150 attendees, the event emphasized Canada’s leadership in health research and innovation, driving economic growth and global recognition. Do not be the last one to know the latest news in your industry. Book a free consultation today!
What Will New AI Scribe Programs Mean for Physician Workload and Patient Care in Ontario?
At a time in which we face an unprecedented shortage of healthcare workers, the growing administrative burden on physicians, as well as other health care providers, is a logical place of focus for health system leaders and government. And so, in this context, it is interesting to consider the recent announcements related to the use of “autoscribe” technology in Family Practice in Ontario and the potential benefit it could bring: Ontario is launching an innovative artificial intelligence program aimed at reducing the paperwork burden on family doctors while also eliminating the requirement for sick notes when employees are off work due to illness. WELL Health Technologies Corp. and HEALWELL AI have launched a second generation of WELLAI Decision Support (WAIDS), a doctor’s AI assistant, that could screen for diseases like kidney disease, hypertension, and diabetes, help doctors assess a patient’s risk and plan care. We now have an interesting situation where policy,regulation, technology and practice are all seemingly aligned, which is wonderful news…and about time! These solutions are a fantastic use of AI as a supportive tool to clinicians, transforming practices by reducing paperwork and increasing efficiency, and allowing doctors to focus on the patient and increasing engagement and satisfaction for patients. Assessing the risks and managing the deployment has taken time and much leadership across the system. You can guess that by the time the Ministry announces this, much work has been done by Ontario MD, eHealth Centre for Excellence (eCE) and Women’s College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care (WIHV) amongst others. But beyond the face value of these announcements on this particular technology in Ontario, you might want to consider the current situation across the country. As with most technology innovations, there are different regulatory and policy announcements in each province as they wrestle with how to manage the technology, and in particular the data – to maintain privacy yet improve the technology. Practitioners and organizations are clearly moving with to test adoption far in advance of mainstream regulation and policy. Even once approved, with the risk and benefits reasonably identified,the adoption curves will take time for usage to take hold. These are all critical questions to consider,particularly in the context of the opportunity to advocate for change, to move faster for adoption, to evaluate, address and put context on the risks and benefits so that we can use new technologies to help transform the system. It will be an interesting environment to continue to watch unfold.