CORD Webinar Pharmacare Debate Series: Does National Pharmacare mean Same Coverage and Same Public Payer for Everyone?

FORMAT: Panel Debate with Discussion

Topics to be Explored:

Point:
John Oliver, MP (Oakville) and Member of House Standing Committee on Health

A National Pharmacare Program based on a single formulary and a single public payer will provide the most equitable and sustainable access to prescription drugs for all Canadians at the lowest overall cost.
Counterpoint:
Peter Dryda, Strategic Access Manager, Ontario, Janssen Pharmaceuticals

There are many strengths in both the public and private systems. “…the best system is one that will: ensure that patients have access to the medicines they need at affordable prices; ensure Canadians do not lose their existing group health benefit plans; and control costs to taxpayers.”
Patient Perspective:
Louise Binder, Health Policy Consultant, Save Your Skin Foundation

National Pharmacare must consider more than simple changes to formulary and/or payers; otherwise it will not address many barriers experienced by patients in access, including complex medicines, advanced therapies, new medicines, specialty medicines, and drugs for small patient populations.

This is one of six webinars in a National Pharmacare Debate series hosted by CORD.
For the complete list of webinars in this series, click here.