Toronto, Sept. 14, 2006 - Green Shield Canada addresses patented medicine prices for the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board. The challenge of managing drug costs while rewarding innovation.

Green Shield Canada has advocated for equitable access to affordable health care at the local, provincial and federal level since its inception in 1957. We have taken active roles in public policy discussions and have provided input to many committees, commissions and legislative reviews. We believe that only through active participation will we ensure that all Canadians continue to have access to affordable health care.

The “Excessive Price Guidelines”
The Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) recently invited Green Shield Canada to comment on certain issues in the “Excessive Price Guidelines”. Reviewing the Guidelines is a process that the PMPRB regularly undertakes to ensure that they reflect the needs of all stakeholders. This is not the first time Green Shield Canada has provided comments to the PMPRB. Most recently, we responded to the Board’s January 2005 Proposed Amendments to the Patented Medicines Regulations and also to the March 2005 Discussion Paper on Price Increases.

Our submission
Green Shield Canada provided its comments on August 25, 2006. By going to the PMPRB site, you will find the complete submission, including data from our most recent Drug Study that supports some of our recommendations. We will continue to be involved in the process, as we consider it an important step towards keeping drug prices affordable and medications accessible for all Canadians.

Future stages
The Discussion Guide and the stakeholder responses mark the beginning of formal consultations as the PMPRB considers the possibility of changes to the “Excessive Price Guidelines”. Future stages in the consultation process will be by invitation and include face-to-face meetings with consumers, Federal, Provincial, and Territorial governments, the pharmaceutical industry, and others. The intent is to help debate and refine possible options for amendments to the Guidelines. Green Shield Canada will take an active role in all stages of the consultation process.