Rx&D Statement on Mandatory Drug Shortage Reporting

VANCOUVER, Feb. 10, 2015 /CNW/ - Following the Minister of Health's announcement, Russell Williams, President, Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D), issued the following statement:

"Rx&D and its members are supportive of the Government of Canada's intention to make the reporting of drug shortages mandatory in Canada. I indicated to the Minister of Health our intention to endorse any efforts the government would undertake to put in place a well-defined, mandatory drug shortage reporting requirement that would be comparable to what is already in place in other jurisdictions, like the United States.

In 2009, we responded to the then Minister of Health's request and led the effort to create and sustain drugshortages.ca, a portal for pharmaceutical companies to report anticipated or actual drug shortages. Although all our members are committed to voluntarily report shortages on this publicly-available and bilingual database, the same cannot be said for some companies outside of our association.

In general, four out of five drug shortages are associated with generic pharmaceutical companies.

Over the coming months, our association is committed to working with officials to ensure the smooth implementation of a mandatory reporting system.

Although mandatory reporting will not end drug shortages, this is a step that will help healthcare practitioners and patients have access to the most up-to-date information to manage their health decisions."

About Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies

Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies is the national association representing the voice of Canada's innovative pharmaceutical industry. We serve our membership by advocating for policies that enable the discovery, development and delivery of innovative medicines and vaccines to improve the lives of all Canadians. We support our memberships' commitment to being a valued partner in the Canadian healthcare system. We represent more than 50 companies investing over $1-billion in R&D annually, fuelling Canada's knowledge-based economy, while contributing over $3-billion overall to Canada's economy. Guided by our Code of Ethical Practices, we work with governments, private payers, healthcare professionals and stakeholders in a highly ethical manner.

SOURCE Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D)

Related Links

www.canadapharma.org