Today's win a key step to providing people in
Canada equal access to lifesaving
prescriptions
OTTAWA,
ON, Oct. 10, 2024 /CNW/ - Heart & Stroke
is celebrating today's history-making Senate vote that will pave
the way for the country's first-ever national pharmacare program,
applauding the affordable plan that will give 7.5 million uninsured
and underinsured people access to prescription drugs for diabetes
and contraception.
"Today's historic vote for pharmacare is also a vote of hope for
the millions of uninsured people in Canada," says Doug
Roth, Heart & Stroke CEO. "The federal government's
monumental accomplishment will be recognized for generations to
come. We hope pharmacare will eventually complete the key missing
piece from our universal healthcare system: equal prescription drug
access for all."
Heart & Stroke is asking the federal government to work
quickly to expand the program in a fiscally prudent way by adding
other essential medicines, including prescription drugs for heart
conditions and stroke.
"It's estimated we lose up to 640 people in Canada every year to ischemic heart disease
because they can't afford their medication. Every one of those
deaths is preventable, and it's got to stop," Roth says. "We're
asking federal government to ensure access to these essential
prescription drugs for all people living in Canada."
Heart & Stroke is also asking the federal, provincial and
territorial governments to quickly finalize bilateral agreements
and to implement pharmacare nationally by April 2025.
Heather Evans knows what it's
like to struggle to afford lifesaving medicine. After three heart
attacks, Evans had to scrimp on groceries, buying cheaper options
like canned soups and macaroni and cheese. At times she relied on
free drug samples from the doctor at her local clinic.
"Nothing in life is guaranteed, but essential medications should
be. My very life depends on it," Evans says."
About Heart & Stroke
Life. We don't want you to miss it. That's why Heart &
Stroke has been leading the fight to beat heart disease and stroke
for more than 70 years. We must generate the next medical
breakthroughs, so Canadians don't miss out on precious moments.
Together, with the generous support of our donors, partners, and
volunteers, we are working to prevent disease, save lives and
promote recovery through research, health promotion and public
policy. Heartandstroke.ca @heartandstroke
SOURCE Heart and Stroke Foundation