Our province spends $25.1 billion annually on prescription drugs.  The Ontario government is now looking for new ways to make our system sustainable and cost efficient.  A Pharmacare Plan could save the provincial government $4.48 to $10.7 billion annually if it were implemented.  In a May 19^th, 2010 article written by Rob Ferguson, Premier Dalton McGuinty states the following about Universal Pharmacare, “The idea of a national pharmacare program was quashed by the former Liberal federal government six years ago as too expensive, but increased pressures on health care budgets since then show the idea is worth reconsidering”

British Columbia was the first province to start a Generic Drug Plan known as Universal Pharmacare. Quebec also has a Prescription Drugs Insurance which is compulsory and provided through a public plan.  This is done by purchasing generic drugs to save the province hundreds of millions of dollars in costs.  Both provinces potentially have more money available for other health services they need.  If Canada had a national pharmacare plan the collective buying power would further reduce the cost of generic pharmaceuticals.

Over the past year or so we have heard many stories of how low income seniors and those on OW and ODSP have difficulty paying for medications not currently covered by the Trillium Drug Plan and Ontario Drug Benefits.  Some of these people either have to scrounge for money to buy their prescriptions or sell personal effects to pay for their pharmaceuticals.  At present many people have to choose whether or not to have a roof over their heads or food for their families.  The working poor will benefit the most from a Universal Drug Plan because they do not have a drug care plan.

Basically it comes down to this:  when low-income people are healthy they are better able to contribute to society.  A Universal Pharmacare plan is a good step in the right direction.  The Pharmacare plan saves the province billions of dollars and it saves lives.  If this makes sense to you, call or write your local MP and MPP in support of Universal Pharmacare.