Lower Cost Prescription Drugs Contribute to Medicare Sustainability
TORONTO
,
Dec. 18
/CNW/ - The Older Canadians Network/Alliance of Seniors (Network/Alliance) announced today that the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA) is the recipient of the 2009 Alexander Gorlick Memorial Award in recognition of the vital contribution made by Canada's generic pharmaceutical industry to the economic sustainability of Medicare, Canada's universal, publicly administered healthcare system, through the provision of safe, effective and proven alternatives to more expensive brand-name medicines.
"Prescription drugs constitute the fastest growing component of health care costs in
Canada
", said Jack Pinkus, retired pharmacist and President of the Network/Alliance. "In 2008, generic drugs were dispensed to fill 52% of all prescriptions in
Canada
, yet accounted for only 23% of the nearly
$21 billion
spent on prescription medicines. More timely access to and greater use of generics would realize enormous cost savings for both government and employer sponsored drug benefit plans."
"We are honoured to receive the 2009 Alexander Gorlick Memorial Award.
Mr. Gorlick
was a tireless advocate for Canada's publicly funded health-care system and, in particular, ensuring that Canadians have access to affordable prescription medicines," said Jim Keon, President of CGPA. "This Award recognizes the mutual goals of our organizations and the work that we must continue to undertake together to ensure that
Mr. Gorlick
's legacy endures."
The Network/Alliance is a non-partisan, non-profit coalition of individuals and organizations which began in 1993, as the Alliance of Seniors To Protect Canada's Social Programs. It was founded by Alexander Gorlick and that generation of seniors whose ideals and values were shaped by the hardship and sacrifice experienced during the Great Depression and World Wars, and in response to wavering government support for Canada's cherished social safety net. Today its membership continues to advocate for policies of benefit to present and future generations of Canadians and its concerns encompass the well-being of society as a whole.
For further information: For further information: Jack Pinkus, President, Older Canadians Network/Alliance of Seniors, (416) 633-7534
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