In July of 2004, the premiers issued a communiqué, acknowledging the value of pharmaceuticals in that they
reduce admissions to hospitals, help reduce wait times, prevent illness, allow individuals with mental illness to lead more productive lives, allow patients with chronic disease to regain a sense of health and independence, and improve end of life care through a robust palliative drug plan.
Despite the fact that numerous studies support this view, the NPS activity to date would not appear to take this into account. It seems to be a balance sheet exercise.
I would also point out that innovative patented medicines represent less than 8% of the total health care budget in Canada. Those are 2004 figures.
This is my final question, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Skinner, I would like to ask if you believe that prescription pharmaceuticals represent a net cost or a net savings to our health care system. From hearing your comments on the Quebec model, I can guess what your response is.
Considering medications, such as ACE inhibitors and statins, one has very good evidence to look at reductions in hospitalization, then quicker discharges from hospitals, and reductions in diagnostic procedures and surgery. So are prescription meds a net cost or a net savings? Of course, we're not even talking about the human costs, in terms of—