2013-165
November 19, 2013
We all can relate to a family's concerns about a sick child. While we cannot comment specifically on the Paulsen family's situation, providing some clarification around access to medications for Canadians may be helpful.
In terms of deciding which approach is best for each situation, several different groups are involved. Doctors decide which medication to use and how. Provincial/territorial governments determine which drugs will be covered under health plans. Drug companies decide whether to submit new drugs for approval. Others decisions, such as drug authorization, fall to the federal government.
In Canada, there are three ways to make drugs accessible: via full authorization, through approved clinical trials, or in exceptional circumstances, through Health Canada's Special Access Programme (SAP). In the case of the SAP, practitioners can request access to drugs that are unavailable for sale in Canada. Patients with rare disease or terminal conditions can be given access to medications not otherwise authorized in Canada.
Each application is considered on a case-by-case basis, and decisions are based on the details and circumstances of each request. Every effort is made to ensure that requests are considered, and responses issued, as promptly as possible. We recognize the importance of doing so for patients and for the individualized healthcare provided by physicians.
John Patrick Stewart
I/Executive Director
Therapeutic Products Directorate
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