Drug System Reforms
Drugs for Rare Diseases
One of the biggest challenges facing our public drug program is ensuring that Ontarians suffering from rare diseases can get access to the care they need. There are a great many different and unique rare diseases, the treatments for which are almost always harder and more expensive to develop.
In Ontario, we evaluate every drug separately to ensure it will be effective for patients and that taxpayers are getting good value for their money. This requires considerable knowledge and expertise, particularly in the case of drugs for rare diseases. That is why we have created an evaluation framework to review these drugs.
This innovative evaluation framework that was developed uses the best available evidence to help predict the potential benefit or lack of benefit of a drug treatment. It then identifies groups of individuals who might potentially benefit from treatment with that particular drug, and makes recommendations about funding.
Not all patients are funded for treatment and in some instances the ministry collaborates with drug manufacturers to provide coverage.
For More Information
Call ServiceOntario, Infoline at 1-866-532-3161
TTY 1-800-387-5559.
In Toronto, TTY 416-327-4282
Hours of operation : 8:30am - 5:00pm
