Why Canada needs a national pharmacare program

Canada is currently the only developed country with a universal health-care system that does not include universal coverage of prescription drugs. And paradoxically is the most expensive one. One in ten Canadians chose not to get the prescriptions drugs they were given by their doctors because of out-of-pocket costs. Dr Steve Morgan explains how a national pharmacare program would ensure that Canadians have access to a more complete and sustainable health care system. Dr. Steve Morgan is a Professor at the University of British Columbia’s School of Population and Public Health, an expert in pharmaceutical policy and an expert for Evidence Network. Interview by Mélanie Meloche-Holubowski, journalist intern at EvidenceNetwork.ca, and journalist with Radio-Canada. The Evidence Network of Canadian Health Policy, commonly known as EvidenceNetwork.ca, is a Canadian healthcare resource designed with the needs of journalists in mind. The project links journalists with health policy experts to provide access to credible, evidence-based information. We also create original OpEds, articles, podcasts, infographics, posters and videos on health policy topics for publication in the mainstream media. www.evidencenetwork.ca