Your article on inequities across Canada in accessing cancer drugs (The 'Postal-Code Lottery' For Cancer Drugs - Jan. 5) addresses the role of the Joint Oncology Drug Review, a one-year "interim" process launched in 2007. Almost three years later, the review has yet to deliver the transparent, consistent and fair drug-funding decisions Canadians deserve.
In fact, serious inequities extend beyond access to cancer drugs. Gaps in prescription drug coverage are placing millions of Canadians at risk of financial hardship. Without the support of public plans across the country, the cost burden is shifted to individual or employer-funded benefit plans or directly to individuals without coverage. This creates a situation that's not sustainable and shouldn't be acceptable in a country that prides itself on accessible health care for all.
Canadians with poor access to necessary drugs are pushing up overall health-care costs through emergency room visits and other costly interventions. We need integrated drug-plan partnerships between governments, insurers, employers and their employees, and patients.
chair, Canadian Council on Integrated Healthcare