Letter to Editor regarding the article "Shortage prompts call for government to rein in profit-driven drug makers; Buyer says notice needed prior to product cancellation " (Ottawa Citizen - May 3, 2012)

2012-62
May 3, 2012
For immediate release

OTTAWA - I am writing to correct information contained in a quote in your May 3, 2012 article "Shortage prompts call for government to rein in profit-driven drug makers; Buyer says notice needed prior to product cancellation."

The article quotes Kathy Boyle, vice- president of clinical services for HealthPro, the largest buyer of drugs for Canada hospitals, saying they had no alternative to Sandoz when it came to buying drugs. 

This is not true. There are a number of companies in Canada who have Health Canada approval to produce drugs affected by the recent shortage - including companies authorized to produce less expensive, generic options. 

The reason these licensed companies do not produce these drugs is because bulk buyers like Health Pro have chosen to buy them almost exclusively from Sandoz.  It would not make sense for any company to produce what it knows it can't sell.   

Our priority right now is meeting the needs of patients by supporting the search for replacement supply. Health Canada has approved 19 submissions for replacement supplies and we have approved 172 requests for emergency access to needed drugs. We also continue to work with our partners to find longer term solutions that help cushion patients against possible future shortages.

Sincerely,

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health

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