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Pharmacare in Canada: The paediatric perspective
Tom McLaughlin1, Geert 't Jong1, Andrea Gilpin2
1Canadian Paediatric Society, Ottawa, Ontario.
Paediatrics & Child Health
|March 20, 2020
Summary
Millions of Canadians lack drug access despite high costs. New pharmacare policies must prioritize children and youth, ensuring universal prescription drug coverage and access to specialized pediatric medications.
Area of Science:
- Health Policy
- Pediatric Pharmacology
- Drug Access
Background:
- Canada's drug insurance system is costly, yet millions face medication access barriers.
- Public pharmacare proposals are under consideration by all government levels.
- Children and youth have unique, often neglected, drug needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the need for prioritizing children and youth in pharmacare policy.
- To address challenges in pediatric drug access, including compounded and off-label use.
- To advocate for universal, comprehensive, and portable prescription drug coverage for pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Policy analysis of current Canadian drug insurance systems.
- Review of prescription drug use patterns in Canadian children and youth.
- Examination of reimbursement decision-making for pediatric medications.
Main Results:
- Approximately 50% of Canadian children and youth require prescription drugs annually.
- Pediatric drug use is concentrated among those with complex, chronic, and serious diseases.
- Current reimbursement systems undervalue benefits of pediatric-specific drug formulations and access.
Conclusions:
- Universal, comprehensive, and portable prescription drug coverage is essential for children and youth.
- A national, evidence-informed formulary for pediatric drugs should be developed.
- Health Canada and the federal government must enhance access to pediatric medications and support research and development.
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