Move to Align Drug Formularies Could Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
Ontario Hospital Association
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Thursday, April 13, 2006
Move to Align Drug Formularies Could Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
Toronto – Proposed changes to the way that drugs are approved for use in Ontario hospitals could help manage fast-rising pharmaceutical costs and lead to greater efficiency and effectiveness, said Hilary Short, President and CEO of the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA).
“Ontario’s hospitals believe that more closely aligning the Ontario Drug Benefit and hospital formularies could help enhance patient safety and significantly improve value-for-money,” said Short. “The OHA also supports the government’s move to more closely involve patients in the pharmaceutical policy development and review processes.”
The OHA plans to examine the proposed Transparent Drug System for Patients Act and work closely with the Government to ensure that the perspective of Ontario’s hospitals is considered as the proposed bill moves through its legislative, regulation development and implementation phases, and as additional consultation takes place on operational issues associated with this package of drug program reforms.
“Dealing with the challenges posed by rising costs and the need for improved access to drugs is a shared responsibility, added Short. “It is very important that hospitals and other health providers, government, patients and pharmaceutical companies work together in considering and implementing these important reforms.”
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OHA Public Affairs
416-205-1348