CPhA touts $75 million health investment within Canada's federal budget

OTTAWA, Ontario  - The Canadian Pharmacists Association ealier this week welcomed the health care investments announced in Canada's 2016 federal budget, particularly as they relate to e-prescribing and improving immunization coverage rates.

 

Leading up to the budget, CPhA highlighted three priority areas in its pre-budget brief to the Standing Committee on Finance, as well as in its testimony before the Committee. These priorities included improving drug access, implementing a national plan for e-prescribing and strengthening the National Immunization Strategy.

 

The government's proposed investment of $50 million over two years for Canada Health Infoway to support short-term digital health activities, including e-prescribing, is an important step towards improving patient care and safety.

 

Budget 2016 also makes a significant commitment to improve immunization rates with funding of $25 million over five years for the Public Health Agency of Canada to update the national immunization coverage goals and disease reduction targets, improve Canada's ability to identify under and un-immunized Canadians and develop a focused program to improve vaccine access and uptake.

 

The budget further recognizes that the Minister of Health has begun discussions with her provincial and territorial counterparts to negotiate a new Health Accord that would enhance the affordability and accessibility of prescription drugs, improve access to home care and mental health services and support pan‑Canadian innovation in the delivery of health services.