Ottawa, July 24, 2024 – Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC) is encouraged by the announcement that the federal government and the province of British Columbia have reached an agreement to support increased access to drugs for rare diseases and action to improved diagnostic testing and screening. This represents a very important first step in allocating much-needed funding as promised under the National Strategy for Rare Diseases announced in March 2023.
While IMC welcomes this progress towards fulfilling the terms of the National Strategy, enhanced transparency, speed and scope is needed to ensure that all Canadians living with rare disease have timely access to innovative treatments.
Further, IMC welcomes the announcement of funding provided through the Aging with Dignity Agreement to support Personal Support Workers (PSW), or Health Care Assistants (HCAs) as they are known in BC, to ensure that BC has increased capacity to meet the needs of its aging population.
IMC remains committed to working collaboratively with government and all stakeholders to ensure that Canadian patients benefit from improved and timely access to new treatments and vaccines.
About Innovative Medicines Canada
Innovative Medicines Canada is the national association representing the voice of Canada’s innovative pharmaceutical industry. The association advocates for policies that enable the discovery, development, and delivery of innovative medicines and vaccines to improve the lives of all Canadians and supports the members’ commitment to being a valued partner in the Canadian healthcare system. The association represents 47 companies that help fuel Canada’s knowledge-based economy. Guided by the Code of Ethical Practices, all members work with governments, private payers, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders in a highly ethical manner.
For further information: media@imc-mnc.ca
