By Rosalind Russell – The first phase of National Universal Pharmacare has passed in Canada.
Last Thursday, the Pharmacare Act received Royal Assent and immediately came into force.
The feds say as part of the first phase – work will now continue with provinces and territories to reach agreements to provide universal, single-payer, first-dollar access to a range of contraception and diabetes medications.
The feds add the agreements will support reproductive freedom by providing up to nine million women and gender diverse people in Canada free access to contraception.
Additionally, the over three-and-a-half million people in Canada living with diabetes will have universal access to a suite of medications that reduce the risk of serious health complications and improve quality of life.
The government says it’s a ‘crucial step forward’ to improve health equity, affordability, and outcomes, and it’s determined to work towards a plan where Canadians can obtain their medication as prescribed, regardless of where they live or if they can afford it.
Photo: Pharmacare – unsplash.com
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