Diabetes plan considered
http://www.100md.com
《加拿大医疗协会学报》
Health Canada is reviewing a proposal by the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) for a "catastrophic drug plan" to help Canadians with diabetes "relieve the overwhelming personal out-of-pocket costs for medications, supplies and devices."
More than 2 million Canadians live with diabetes and bear out-of-pocket expenses ranging from $250 a year in the Yukon to around $3600 in Newfoundland, according to the CDA's Diabetes Report 2005. With a price tag estimated at $500 million a year, the proposed national drug plan could eliminate this burden, in addition to helping with other chronic diseases.
Chris Williams, a communications officer for Health Canada, says a catastrophic drug plan is a key component in discussions around a National Pharmaceutical Strategy being developed by federal, territorial and provincial governments. Health Ministers will report on progress by June 30.
The CDA argues that a national plan would substantially reduce the financial burden of diabetes; the condition and its complications cost Canada's health care system $13.2 billion annually.(Andréa Ventimiglia)
More than 2 million Canadians live with diabetes and bear out-of-pocket expenses ranging from $250 a year in the Yukon to around $3600 in Newfoundland, according to the CDA's Diabetes Report 2005. With a price tag estimated at $500 million a year, the proposed national drug plan could eliminate this burden, in addition to helping with other chronic diseases.
Chris Williams, a communications officer for Health Canada, says a catastrophic drug plan is a key component in discussions around a National Pharmaceutical Strategy being developed by federal, territorial and provincial governments. Health Ministers will report on progress by June 30.
The CDA argues that a national plan would substantially reduce the financial burden of diabetes; the condition and its complications cost Canada's health care system $13.2 billion annually.(Andréa Ventimiglia)