Even where the climate is one of direct collaboration and cooperation, and even though there are high-ranking officials working for the various Health Canada entities, it often proves difficult to contact the right person, especially when a specific, personalized response is required, and with some frequency. Pharmacists experience a great deal of difficulty both in giving information to, and getting feedback from, Health Canada.
Many pharmacists have told us that they have reported adverse reactions to Health Canada without having received so much as an acknowledgement in return. As such, it is hardly surprising that some professionals are in no rush to report adverse reactions. There is supposed to be a two-way flow of information and, for example, Health Canada has to advise health care professionals when drugs are withdrawn from the market; however, it would seem that the system has shortcomings on this front as well.
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