A lesson for Canada: Quebec pharmacare system creates winners and losers
Quebec spends $200 more per person than the rest of Canada to provide prescription drug coverage to everyone in the province, finds new research that could inform plans for a nationwide universal drug plan.
Universal public coverage of essential medicines would improve access, save billions
Publicly funding essential medicines could cover the cost of nearly half of all prescriptions in Canada, removing financial barriers for Canadians while saving $3 billion per year.
Canada spends over $400 million on medicine that harms seniors
Canada spends more than $400 million annually on drugs prescribed to seniors even though the medicines should be avoided for older patients, according to new UBC research.
Elderly women more likely to be overprescribed prescription drugs: UBC study
Nearly one in three B.C. women over age 65 received inappropriate prescription medicines in 2013, according to a UBC study.
Opioid overdoses linked to higher prescription rates in B.C.
Strong painkillers known as prescription opioids appear to be overprescribed in some regions of B.C., resulting in higher rates of overdose and death, according to a new study from UBC.
Universal public drug coverage would save Canada billions
Canada could save $7.3 billion annually with universal public coverage of medically necessary prescription drugs.
Universal prescription drug coverage more cost-effective, improves seniors’ health outcomes: study
Universal prescription drug coverage would ensure better access, equity and efficiency for seniors, says a study by UBC researchers.
Canadian Rx atlas maps billions in savings – for now
Canadians are spending less on prescription drugs, according to the latest edition of the Canadian Rx Atlas, but UBC health economists predict the break will be short-lived.
Canada loses out on drug pricing: UBC study
Health systems worldwide are increasingly negotiating secret price rebates from pharmaceutical companies and Canadians risk losing out on the deal.