Why Pharmacare is good for BC
- Details
- Published on Sunday, 29 November -0001 16:00
- Written by editor
Hi Paov
Last week, my colleague at the BC Health Coalition stood side by side with the Minister of Health to announce that British Columbia has signed on to the historic Pharmacare agreement.
BC
Health Coalition staff Ayendri Riddell speaking alongside Minister of
Health Josie Osborne at the signing of the Pharmacare agreement at the
B.C. Legislature.
B.C. Minister of Health Josie Osborne speaking alongside BC
Health Coalition staff Ayendri Riddell at the National Pharmacare
signing.
We were thrilled to email you as soon as she got home from the Provincial Legislature to celebrate this milestone—an important first step toward a universal, single-payer public Pharmacare system in BC.
But that excitement quickly faded when we saw how corporate media covered the announcement—focusing on the perspectives of drug and insurance companies rather than the everyday British Columbians who will benefit.
That’s why we’re reaching out... again today—to make sure you hear the real story. This agreement is about helping people across BC get the medication they need, without worrying about cost.
This is the statement Ayendri read at the B.C. Legislature on the day of the Pharmacare announcement:
“British Columbia’s decision to join the national Pharmacare program is a historic win that is a critical step toward protecting our public health care system and strengthening our bargaining power.
Many people rely on workplace benefits for drug coverage, but those benefits can disappear with job losses or cuts — a reality thousands could face as industries brace for the impact of Trump tariffs. A universal Pharmacare plan can ensure people have access to the life-saving medications they need, no matter their employment status.
Recently one of our member reps., Rowan Burdge, shared that although she has employer provided benefits, she spent more than $10,000-12,000 out of pocket this year to cover the cost of insulin, testing strips and her insulin pump, which is considered life sustaining treatment for type 1 Diabetes. And if she wasn’t able to, she would probably die. When I told Rowan about this announcement she was happy but urged that all the life saving medications that people depend on be added to the program so no one is left behind.”
Beyond its immediate impact on British Columbians, Universal, single-payer Pharmacare is crucial to the fiscal sustainability of our system. By leveraging bulk purchasing, we can drive down skyrocketing drug prices, relieve pressure on public resources, and generate billions in annual savings.
Drugs are the second biggest expenditure in our health care system. Canada spends even more on drugs than on doctors and health care workers. US Pharmaceutical companies take advantage of our fractured system to set prices high. By negotiating drug prices through bulk purchasing, we strengthen our bargaining power which will significantly lower prices for medication. This is why every other developed country that has a public health care system includes Pharmacare - and as a consequence spends much less than us. Pharmacare saves lives and money.
Today, BC is providing a powerful precedent for other provinces. The BC government coverage of contraceptives was already an example of the best version of Pharmacare and by using the additional funding provided by the Federal government to include medications for menopausal symptoms. BC is laying the groundwork to expand coverage beyond the initial drug classes and move us closer to full, universal prescription drug coverage.
Now, we need every province to step up and the program to be expanded so that we can benefit from the full promise of Pharmacare.“
We’re working hard to ensure that the media covers this historic announcement from the public’s point of view—not just the perspective of pharmaceutical and insurance companies. But we can’t do it without you.
We’re a small but mighty team of three, and even sending you this email today takes basic tools—like phones and computers—that are well past their prime. Right now, we’re working with:
- A 9-year-old laptop to send these emails
- 5-year-old phones to communicate and organize
- One shared Zoom account for all our work
With rising operational costs, we need your help to keep our advocacy strong. Will you chip in to help cover some of our essential costs?
DONATE
Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Together, we can make sure Pharmacare becomes a fully universal program that leaves no one behind.
In solidarity,
Angus
Director of Operations
BC Health Coalition
Giving by cheque
Donations by cheque can be made out to BC Health Coalition and mailed to BC Health Coalition 302-3102 Main Street Vancouver BC V5T 3G7.
If you would like to set up monthly donations by cheque, please fill out this Donation Form and mail it in with a void cheque.
British Columbia Health Coalition · 3102 Main St, 302,
Vancouver, Unceded Coast Salish Territories, BC V5T 3G7, Canada
This email was sent to s43. To stop receiving
r46.
You can also keep up with BC Health Coalition
on Twitter
or Facebook.
Created with NationBuilder, the essential toolkit for leaders.
