Canada's Health Minister Rona Ambrose has announced new regulations for drug manufacturers to make public any drug shortages.
Photo Credit: www.drugshortages.ca/

New Canadian regulations will require drug manufacturers to report drug shortages

The Canadian government will require drug manufacturers “to publicly report drug shortages”, Canada’s Health Minister Rona Ambrose announced Tuesday (February 10).

“When drug shortages occur, patients and those who care for them need timely, reliable and comprehensive information to help minimize the impact on their health,” Ambrose said. “Moving to a mandatory system for reporting drug shortages will give doctors, pharmacists, healthcare practitioners and all stakeholders clear and concise information on drug shortages, so they can make the best decisions for their patients.”

According to the Health ministry, a voluntary industry led website www.drugshortages.ca was launched March 2012 “in response to calls from the then Minister of Health for manufacturers to make information about drug shortages readily available to Canadians and the health care system.”

While a new website and the regulations are being developed, manufacturers are expected to voluntarily post information on all shortages on the industry-run website.

More information:
Health Canada press release – Harper Government Announces Requirement for Reporting of Drug Shortages – here
CTV News – Drug manufacturers to report shortages – here

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