The Challenges of Canadian Pharmacare Are More Complicated Than Acknowledged; Comment on “Universal Pharmacare in Canada”

Document Type : Commentary

Author

Department of Economics and Business, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO, USA

Abstract

This commentary considers two editorial pieces, written by Hajizadeh and Edmonds, and Lewis, which address universal pharmacare in Canada. The pieces focus on the social inequities of the existing system and the challenges of successful implementation. After identifying the significant strengths of both articles, this commentary then delves into the reasons why universal pharmacare may not be the solution, and identifies numerous thorny issues that will complicate the implementation of such a publicly funded program. Both discussions point to the need for caution and transparency going forward.

Keywords

References

  1. Lewis S. It won’t be easy: how to make universal pharmacare work in Canada. Int J Health Policy Manag. 2020;9(1):1-5. doi:10.15171/ijhpm.2019.82
  2. Hajizadeh M, Edmonds S. Universal pharmacare in Canada: a prescription for equity in healthcare. Int J Health Policy Manag. 2020; In Press. doi:10.15171/ijhpm.2019.93
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  15. Acri KML.  The Unintended Consequences of National Pharmacare Programs: The Experiences of Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. Fraser Institute; 2018.  https://www.fraserinstitute.org/sites/default/files/unintended-consequences-of-national-pharmacare-programs.pdf.
International Journal of Health Policy and Management
Volume 10, Issue 3
March 2021
Pages 152-154

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History

  • Receive Date: 07 January 2020
  • Revise Date: 30 January 2020
  • Accept Date: 01 February 2020
  • First Publish Date: 01 March 2021

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