Pharmacare: The Unfinished Business of Canadian Medicare

Abstract

Canada has the unique distinction of being the only country with a universal national healthcare care plan not to include Pharmacare: the universal, public coverage of prescription drugs. A literature review was conducted to investigate the benefits of implementing Pharmacare. Historically, little progress has been made toward a universal drug plan. Pharmacare would ensure that all Canadians receive equitable access to safe, cost-effective, and appropriately prescribed medicines. Additionally, universal, publicly managed drug coverage ensures that prescriptions are contingent on contemporary medical evidence by integrating the management of medical and hospital care. Finally, Pharmacare would save billions of dollars, hence stimulating the federal and provincial economies and aiding Canadian businesses. Pharmacare is the only suitable option as the current fragmented patchwork of public and private drug plans become increasingly unsustainable.