Letter to Editor regarding the article "A shortage of foresight" (Ottawa Citizen - March 28, 2012)

2012-47
March 28, 2012
For immediate release

OTTAWA - I am writing to address some inaccuracies in the March 28 article "A shortage of foresight" by Amir Attaran and Jason Nickerson.

They wrote that the federal government did nothing in advance to help the health care system prepare for the shortages.  This is simply untrue. For example, for some time now we have been encouraging drug makers to be more transparent on actual and potential drug shortages so that health professionals have the time and information they need to shift treatments if necessary.  As a result there are web sites now up and running that report such information. 

The fact that Sandoz has become the sole or dominant supplier of these drugs is the result of decisions taken over time by provincial and territorial drug buyers. The 2008 Competition Bureau report referred to in the article indicated that some have expressed concern that the drug purchasing practices of the provinces and territories could lead to potential shortage situations.  But contrary to the suggestion of the authors, the Competition Bureau did in fact provide advice to the provinces and territories as to how they could address this issue.

Canadians can be assured that Health Canada will continue to play its part by approving alternative sources of supply during the Sandoz shortage and working with our partners to find longer term solutions that help cushion patients against possible future shortages.

Sincerely,

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health

-30-