Canada's provincial premiers have announced that provinces will begin bulk-purchasing generic drugs to reduce health care costs. This change marks the first time provinces have taken the lead on health reforms. "We decided as provinces we don't need the federal government ... we run the health care system," said Prince Edward Island premier Robert Ghiz at the Council of Federations meeting of premiers, where the initiative was announced. A national competitive bidding process is to be launched by this fall, ideally resulting in lower prices taking effect by April 1, 2013. The premiers also flagged the need to both expand and accelerate group pricing on brand-name pharmaceuticals.
Sources:
- http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/provinces-to-bulk-buy-generic-drugs-in-bid-to-cut-health-costs/article4442541/
- http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/premiers-forge-own-health-care-path/article4443736/
- http://www.theglobeandmail.com/commentary/provinces-must-stand-together-on-drug-purchases/article4450319/