Consultation on improving access to drugs and other health products in Canada
Current status: Closed
Opened on June 5, 2023, and closed to new input on August 31, 2023.
A report summarising what we heard during the consultations was published in December 2023.
Drugs and other health products are essential to improving and maintaining our health. Disruptions to their supply can cause hardships for people in Canada and their families and put additional stress on our health care system.
In November 2022, Health Canada created a Drug Shortages Task Force to further improve our ability to prevent and mitigate shortages.
We sought input on core elements of a plan to improve access to drugs and other health products for people in Canada. The information gathered from this consultation will be used to develop solutions for Health Canada and others who have a role to play in helping prevent shortages.
Who was the focus of this consultation
Health Canada sought feedback from:
- people living in Canada
- Indigenous Nations and communities
- health products industry
- health care providers
- patient advocates
- governments and regulatory partners
- academics and researchers
Key questions
To seek your feedback, we prepared a discussion guide, which included a series of questions to help when providing feedback. These questions focussed on 4 key areas for action:
- improved communication and transparency
- agile regulatory toolbox
- greater supply chain visibility
- enhanced response to supply and demand
Learn more about:
Related links
Contact us
Drug Shortages Task Force
Health Canada
Email: shortage.consultations.penurie@hc-sc.gc.ca