Start Date: 2025-02-22
End Date: 2025-02-28

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Canada Signs Pharmacare Agreement with Manitoba

On February 27, 2025, Health Canada announced the signing of a major pharmacare agreement with Manitoba. This deal, worth $267 million, aims to provide universal coverage for a range of medications, including contraceptives and diabetes treatments, impacting over 500,000 residents. The agreement will also address rare diseases, with Manitoba set to receive $48 million for improved diagnostics and screening. The initiative supports health equity and is a significant step towards national pharmacare goals.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

PMPRB Report Highlights 14.1% Increase in Private Drug Plan Costs

The Patented Medicine Prices Review Board released a report on February 25, 2025, detailing a 14.1% growth in 2023 private drug plan costs, driven by higher-cost medicines. Private insurance covers 38% of prescribed drug spending, highlighting significant cost pressures and potential savings opportunities in the sector. This data is crucial for stakeholders analyzing drug reimbursement policies in Canada.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Funding to Address Toxic Drug and Overdose Crisis

Health Canada announced plans to allocate funds towards combating the toxic drug and overdose crisis. This move is part of a broader strategy to improve public health safety. The announcement, made on February 27, 2025, underscores the government's commitment to addressing drug-related challenges in Canada.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca