The FIQ applauds the recommendation to implement universal, single-payer public pharmacare
Montreal, June 12, 2019 – The Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec – FIQ is thrilled that the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare is recommending that Canada implement single-payer public pharmacare.
In the report issued today, the Council clearly states that this type of plan is fairer and more sustainable. The FIQ, along with several other union organizations and civil society, shares this vision and was putting pressure on the Federal Government to implement this kind of plan last March.
“This report is a solid foundation for meeting the entire population’s needs and offering true access to prescription drugs, said FIQ Vice-President Shirley Dorismond. The FIQ is calling on all Federal political parties to commit to implementing this promising plan at the next election campaign.”
Moreover, Canada is the only OECD country with a public health insurance plan that doesn’t include prescription drugs.
The mixed Quebec plan is inequitable
“The FIQ is concerned about the quality of Quebec’s health care and believes Quebeckers should benefit from the broadest, fairest pharmacare coverage possible, as soon as possible, added Ms. Dorismond. This report is a strong message that it’s time to move forward and that the status quo is no longer an option.”
Quebec’s mixed plan, which costs more for medication than elsewhere, has led to huge price increases and deep inequities. The FIQ would like to see the Quebec government take action to facilitate fast implementation of universal, single-payer public pharamacare.
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