Improved drug access and innovation needed, Canadian trade group says

Ensuring better access to drugs and improved health care innovation should be top of the agenda at an annual meeting of Canada's Premiers this week, according to industry group the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA).

The meeting takes place to discuss issues that have an impact on the lives of all Canadians, and CPhA chairman Alistair Bursey is in no doubt about what he sees as the big topic.

“With Health Accord negotiations approaching, CPhA believes that health care belongs at the top of the Premiers' agenda this week,” he said, referencing the agreement on cash levels for health care agreed between the federal government and provinces or territories. "Improved drug access and health care innovation are priority issues we will be raising in connection with the meetings,” Mr Bursey added.