Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Good morning, Mr. Skinner.
I was surprised to hear you talk about the difference between generic drug prices and research drug prices in the United States and in Canada. I don't quite understand.
Pharmaceutical companies engaged in research manufacture drugs that cost less in Canada than they do in the United States, whereas generic drugs, which only require companies to conduct bioequivalence tests, are far more expensive in Canada than in the United States, 78% more expensive in fact. I have a hard time understanding why that is so.
In your opinion, should minimum access standards be brought in for drugs required by clients served by the federal government?
As you yourself mentioned, Quebec has a very good drug insurance program in place.
Certain drugs are known to be truly beneficial in the treatment of certain conditions. For instance, Lantus, which is available in Ontario and Quebec and covered under private insurance schemes, is beneficial in the treatment of juvenile diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Why is it that certain drugs like Lantus are not available in all provinces under similar programs? As you noted, some drugs may be more expensive, but at the same time, they may be more effective. I just don't understand. Can you explain this to me?