This week's developments reveal both the evolution of healthcare delivery and the expansion of Canada's life sciences sector, marking a pivotal shift in how Canadians might access and receive medical care.
In a letter addressed to all provincial and territorial health ministers dated January 10, 2025, Health Minister Mark Holland provided clarifications on the Canada Health Act with a new outline to take effect on April 1, 2026. Citing the new outline of the CHA Services Policy, Minister Holland said in a separate statement that services that are considered medically necessary should be covered by the patient's provincial or territorial healthcare plan regardless of whether it's provided by a physician or physician equivalent. This announcement has garnered widespread support from healthcare organizations, with the Canadian Medical Association emphasizing the importance of equitable access to primary care.
The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association joins calls for similar clarification on virtual care services amid their growing popularity among patients. Meanwhile, nursing organizations have praised the decision to allow nurse practitioners to bill the government for medically necessary services, with the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions and the Nurse Practitioners Association of Ontario highlighting the growing need for the workforce to provide more primary care services. The Canadian Pharmacists Association has also described the move as a step towards equity among healthcare providers, affirming that a healthcare professional is qualified to deliver a necessary service.
On the pharmacare front, as reported by The Hamilton Spectator, Minister Holland shared progress in negotiations with provinces and territories, expecting to secure some deals soon despite mounting election pressure. The minister assured that while other provinces might need more time, all the conversations about the pharmacare are going well.
Holland also emphasized the significance of pharmacare as a central issue in the next election. Previously, the Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre announced he would challenge the Liberal's pharmacare initiatives.
Provincial governments continue to address specific healthcare challenges. In British Columbia, the government issued mandate letters to Premier David Eby's new cabinet ministers, include directives for improving addiction interventions, specifically aiming to reduce the risk of prescribed opioid diversion as reported by The Free Press. Josie Osborne, the Minister of Health, is tasked with expanding access to naloxone, a lifesaving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, including those from fentanyl. This move is part of larger efforts to connect residents with primary care providers and improve addiction treatment services.
Meanwhile, Canada's life sciences sector shows significant advancement with key initiatives in 2024. Applied Pharma reported that in 2024, Canada advanced its life sciences sector, with initiatives like the Critical Medicines Production Centre and support for 80+ companies. The sector grew through key events and training programs, with the CMPC set to enhance medicine production by 2026.
While Fierce Pharma reported that Big Pharma, including Novartis, Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca, and Bristol Myers Squibb, spent over $9 billion USD in eight months acquiring four leading radiopharmaceutical companies, driven by advancements in targeted cancer treatments. The radiopharma market is expected to grow significantly, from $9.1 billion USD in 2023 to over $42 billion USD by 2032, spurring continued acquisitions and licensing agreements.
Gilead Sciences and LEO Pharma have also partnered to develop and commercialize STAT6-based therapies for inflammatory diseases, with Gilead focusing on oral treatments and LEO on topical formulations. The collaboration aims to expand treatment options and accelerate innovation in inflammatory and skin conditions.
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