Canada's drug review process needs enhancements, says diabetes charity

According to a new report by the charity the Canadian Diabetes Association, despite improvements to Canada's drug review process since the introduction of the Common Drug Review, significant challenges remain with the overall drug review process, making it particularly difficult for those living with chronic conditions such as diabetes to get equal and timely access to medications they need to protect their health.

"This year marks the ten-year anniversary of the inception of the Common Drug Review (CDR) and, while it has resulted in improvements within drug reviews, challenges still remain affecting the overall process," says Michael Cloutier, president and chief executive of the Canadian Diabetes Association, adding: "The Association is advocating for further enhancements to the CDR within the overall drug review process based on examples of best practices in drug review processes internationally."

Based on the Association's report, titled In the Balance: A Renewed Vision for the Common Drug Review, the patchwork of public and private drug plans across Canada is failing to meet the needs of Canadians, especially those with chronic disease who do not fall under specific public coverage or private insurance through employers or other sources.