National pharmacare in Canada

Canada remains the only country with universal health coverage but no publicly funded drug program . Now, Canadian governments and private sector players must rethink and redefine the scope of a universal pharmacare program if we are to overcome potential healthcare risks of aging populations, rising health inequities, and inadequate funding.

Is pharmacare the right strategy for every community?

Who are the key players?

Patients and families

• Universal pharmacare could transform medication access for Canadian patients and families, improving health inequities for those without coverage. While public coverage could ensure comprehensive drug access without financial strain, it is important policymakers consider potential limitations.

Pharmacies

• Pharmacies are essential for safe and reliable medication access. With full public coverage, privately owned pharmacies could streamline billing, manage higher prescription volumes, and adjust staffing. But to remain profitable and sustainable,, they must learn to adapt to new regulations in this fast-paced landscape.

Pharmaceutical manufacturing companies

• Pharmaceutical manufacturers are vital for medication availability. A full public-coverage pharmacare plan aims to use Canada's buying power to lower prices, increasing demand and accessibility. While this could reduce overall costs, it also may impact market attractiveness, so flexibility is crucial going forward.

Insurance providers

• National pharmacare could transform the insurance landscape. If implemented, full public coverage would reduce the need for private plans, pushing insurers to diversify their offerings and concentrate on supplementary services. This shift would drive major strategic changes across the industry, reshaping how insurance providers operate and compete.

Governments

•  Provincial and territorial governments play a crucial role in making national pharmacare effective and accessible for all, but achieving this requires close collaboration with the federal government. Given potential misalignments between provincial and federal plans, strong leadership and effective negotiations are essential for creating a more unified system.

Many will be impacted by a universal pharmacare program. Policymakers must be aware of the implications for every group across Canada’s health system.

Navigating the opportunities and challenges of universal pharmacare for all Canadians doesn’t have to be done alone. Key decision-makers must anticipate, analyze, and strategize for the sustainability of such programs, but with the right approach, we have the chance to revolutionize healthcare for all.

Read National pharmacare in Canada to learn how.