Government of Canada also announces $13 million for increased pharmacy inspections to limit the diversion of prescription drugs to illegal markets
May 19, 2015 - Edmonton, Alberta - Health Canada
The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, hosted a productive symposium on prescription drug abuse in Edmonton today, where she met with provincial officials, doctors, pharmacists, First Nations representatives, law enforcement and addictions specialists. Discussions focused on identifying actions to address prescription drug abuse under the three action plans of the National Anti-Drug Strategy: prevention, treatment, and enforcement.
The symposium was the second of its kind in as many years, with a specific focus on the challenges faced by Alberta, including the increasing incidents of overdose and abuse of prescription drugs reported in First Nations communities across Alberta in recent months.
Following the symposium, the Minister announced federal funding to increase the number of annual pharmacy inspections carried out by Health Canada. Working with pharmacies across the country, this will help to ensure the safe handling, storage and security of prescription drugs in Canada, and reduce opportunities for the diversion of prescription drugs for illegal sale and use.
New funding in the amount of nearly $13 million over five years will be used to undertake approximately 1000 inspections over the first four years, with approximately 180 inspections being conducted on an ongoing annual basis from then on.
Prescription drug abuse is a significant public health and safety concern in North America. Drugs like opioids, sedative-hypnotics and stimulants are legal and have proven therapeutic benefits when prescribed by a doctor, but they also have a high potential for harms such as addiction, withdrawal, injury, and death. The 2014 Economic Action Plan committed over $44 million over five years to expand the focus of the National Anti-Drug Strategy from illicit drugs to include measures to address prescription drug abuse.
The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, hosted a productive symposium on prescription drug abuse in Edmonton and announced federal funding to increase the number of annual pharmacy inspections carried out by Health Canada.
The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, along with Dr. Gregory Taylor, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, toured a local Edmonton Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacy and discussed the announcement of federal funding to increase the number of annual pharmacy inspections carried out by Health Canada.
Michael Bolkenius
Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose
Federal Minister of Health
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