The Consumers' Association of Canada says the study on the generic drug sector, released today by the Competition Bureau, reveals a badly broken structure complete with secret rebates from manufacturers to pharmacies

    OTTAWA, Oct. 29 /CNW/ - The Competition Bureau's Study reveals a bizarre
maze of transactions between the manufacture of generic drugs and the final
purchase by Provincial Government and Private Plans or individuals, including
a secret rebate of 40 percent from the manufacturers to Pharmacies.
    "This secret rebate taken by pharmacies and paid by manufacturers, likely
exceeds one billion per annum," said CAC President Bruce Cran. "At a time when
our Universal Medical Coverage is under attack for lack of funds this is
intolerable. Questions of how this situation was permitted to develop arise as
well as how can it be fixed."
    The Consumers' Association calls on all levels of Government to move
immediately to protect consumers from further abuse.
    On behalf of Canada's thirty million consumers, thank you Competition
Bureau for shedding light where it has been long overdue.

For further information: Bruce Cran, [phone]; Margaret Island,
[phone]