Report urges collaboration to tackle Canada’s drug shortages

Two pharmaceutical industry groups have released a report calling for stronger collaboration and regulatory reforms to address worsening drug shortages in Canada.

The Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA) and the Canadian Association for Pharmacy Distribution Management (CAPDM) developed the report in response to Health Canada’s call for stakeholder cooperation.

“Resilience against drug shortages rests on the strength of partnerships,” said CGPA president Jim Keon.

The report, A Path Forward: Collaborative Solutions to Strengthen Canada’s Drug Supply, outlines five key recommendations, including improved information-sharing, streamlined regulations, supply chain diversification, price adjustments for critical medicines, and increased buffer stock.

“The commitment to equitable patient access must remain at the forefront of our efforts,” said CAPDM president and CEO Angelique Berg.

The industry groups say addressing drug shortages requires a system-wide approach involving government, healthcare organizations, and manufacturers.

Visit here for the full report.