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What is Ontario doing to improve our drug programs?

As the ministry works to improve Ontario’s drug programs, we are guided by two top concerns:

• to provide Ontario residents with better access to today’s best proven  drug treatments
• to get better prices for our drugs so we can re-invest the money saved back into the system.

Recent actions

• Launched the MedsCheck program.
  Lets you schedule a 20-30 minute meeting with your pharmacist to ensure you are taking your medications safely.
• Developed Ontario’s Narcotics Strategy.
  Promotes the proper use of prescription narcotics and other controlled substances while working to reduce drug abuse and addiction.
• In partnership with Cancer Care Ontario developed the Evidence Based Program..  Ontario is moving forward with a program for specific cancer drugs, where emerging evidence shows strong promise to benefit patients.
• Created a Citizens' Council.
  Gives you a forum to provide opinions about the province’s drug policy.
• Set up a Pharmacy Council.
  Provides expert advice to the ministry to help develop drug-related policy.

Through these actions, we aim to create a stronger, more effective system in five key areas:

1. Improving patient access to the drugs they need.
2. Ensuring better value for money. For instance, with the changes we have made in the last 6 years to Ontario’s drug system, we have cut the cost of most generic drugs in half. Learn more now about Fair drug prices
3. Promoting the proper use of medications.
4. Investing in health system drug research such as the Drug Innovation Fund
   to advance the research into the value of medicines.
5. Strengthening the transparency and accountability of Ontario’s public drug system.

Recent legislation

• The Narcotics Safety and Awareness Act, 2010
• Proposed Amendment to Ontario Regulation 201/96 (General) under the Ontario Drug Benefit Act. (Transition fee regulation)
• Proposed Amendment to Ontario Regulation 201/96 (General) under the Ontario Drug Benefit Act (Dispensing Fee Regulation)