Bill Lowering Drug Prices Introduced in Victoria
Wednesday, April 25, 2012 @ 3:55 AM
Prince George, B.C. – The B.C. government has introduced Bill 35, the Pharmaceutical Services Act, which will allow the Province to regulate and lower prescription drug prices.
The act shifts the $1-billion PharmaCare program from one which relies on government policy, to a program protected by legislation. PharmaCare helps British Columbians with the cost of eligible prescription drugs and designated medical supplies, and provides reasonable access to drug therapy through seven drug plans.
The act also creates the framework to allow the Ministry of Health to regulate and further lower drug prices for all patients in the province. The government says patients and the public health-care system can expect to save significant amounts of money on the cost of prescription drugs this year.
As of April 2, 2012, generic drugs cost 35 per cent of the brand name price. Through legislation, the Province plans to lower generic drug prices to be in line with other jurisdictions.
While the legislation has now been introduced, throughout the summer the ministry will be drafting the regulations related to drug pricing under this act, which will involve consulting with stakeholders and others. Regulations provide further details on how the act will be implemented and enforced.
Comments
as long as they keep strict control on the QUALITY of the drugs and that they know where they come from – not coming in through the back door
Exactly nu2PG!
Not all generic products are up to the same standards as brand name products.
This really begs the question….
If the govt can do this for drugs, then they certainly have the authority to do exactly the same for gasoline and diesel fuel, correct?
I was just reading that in Iran gasoline costs 9 cents per litre. (Of course, there are some disadvantages to living in Iran too…)
By all means lower the drug prices for Unfair Medicare but be sure to continue to raise premiums for MSP. We are the only province that makes seniors pay a portion of MSP premiums. Shame.
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