BC FORUM
BC Federation of Retired Union Members

Dec. 10, 2007, BC FORUM public hearing in Vancouver:
Campaign for a National Drug Plan

Webcast of December 10, 2007 BC FORUM ( BC Federation of Retired Union Members ) public hearing at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, part of the Canadian Health Coalition's Campaign for a National Drug Plan

Canada is one of the few Western nations without a Pharmacare plan*. The impact goes beyond just costs. Those who pay for and manage drug plans agree, we are not getting value for money. There is also concern that lack of controls and common standards are putting the well-being of Canadians at risk through over-use, under-use and misuse of prescription drugs. We have much to be proud of here in British Columbia but the challenges we face require solutions beyond provincial boundaries.

The Canadian Health Coalition is conducting cross-Canada hearings on the need for Pharmacare, a national drug plan. The hearings will collect personal stories highlighting the need for a national program and receive briefs, policy positions and proposals for a public drug insurance plan and better pharmaceutical management.

*Pharmacare: a national drug plan, publicly funded and administered, which would control costs, provide universal access and ensure the safe and appropriate use of drugs. It would cover medically necessary drug costs in the same way that Medicare now covers hospitals and physicians. 14 pixel transparent gif

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Introduction: Joy Langan, BC FORUM ( BC Federation of Retired Union Members ) / Jim Sinclair, BC Federation of Labour 14 pixel transparent gif

RT: 8:33

Michael McBane, Canadian Health Coalition 14 pixel transparent gif

RT: 9:34

Dr. Steve Morgan, health economist and expert in pharmacare 14 pixel transparent gif

RT: 15:37

Dr. Barbara Mintzes, Pt 1 of 2 - investigating the link between clinical evidence on drug safety and effectiveness and provincial drug financing decisions. 14 pixel transparent gif

RT: 12:37

Dr. Barbara Mintzes, Pt 2 of 2 14 pixel transparent gif

RT: 12:55

Colleen Fuller , independent health researcher and President and co-founder of PHARMAWATCH, North America's first and only direct-from-consumer adverse drug reaction reporting program. 14 pixel transparent gif

RT: 14:12