National Pharmacare in Canada: Considerations & Implications for Stakeholders
Executive Summary
Canada is the only OECD country with universal public health coverage but not a publicly funded drug program, more often referred to as National Pharmacare. The topic of National Pharmacare has surfaced many times over the decades, and is currently under intense debate. This paper explores the implications of a Pharmacare program, its scope, coverage, eligibility model, and the trade-offs involved, while highlighting the impact on key stakeholders. It provides key considerations for how Pharmacare could be implemented within a multijurisdictional landscape; however does not delve into the merits or faults of universal healthcare models.
The proposal for a national Pharmacare program in Canada signifies a notable leap forward in our country’s discourse on patient access to prescription drugs and its overall role in the healthcare system. Understanding the intricacies of various potential Pharmacare delivery models will allow all stakeholders and the federal government to adopt a thoughtful approach in planning their strategic and operational priorities in the near and long‑term, while ensuring the universal health needs of Canadians remain at the forefront.
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