Thank you, Dr. Neame.
I would like to shift to a topic that I know is on the minds of many, and that's the potential for drug shortages as a result of COVID-19.
IMC's membership consists of the pharmaceutical companies that discover, develop and deliver innovative new medicines, that is, brand-name prescription medicines. Our members continue to be vigilant in identifying potential supply issues and are committed to working closely with Canadian governments to quickly identify solutions. We support the efforts of Health Canada in this regard. In the event of any anticipated delays in supplying the Canadian market with an approved medicine to meet expected patient demand, our member companies would, in full compliance with the law, report this to Health Canada, and it would be made public on the drugshortages.ca website.
If there is one area where the federal government could provide additional support, it is in the area of COVID-related hospital products. Specifically, there may be an enhanced role for the federal government to play in coordinating provincial requests for additional supplies of drugs to ensure that no province and no Canadian goes without the medications they need.
Speaking more broadly, we recognize that reliable access to medications depends on many factors. These include regulatory simplicity, timely approvals for new medications and the continued smooth functioning of global supply chains. In this regard, we support Health Canada's ongoing commitment to take steps toward a simpler regulatory regime. However, more needs to be done to quicken the approval of new medications. We applaud the efforts made by the federal and some provincial governments to protect medical supply chains serving Canada.
On the topic of regulations, we remain deeply concerned about the impact that amendments to the patented medicines regulations will have on Canadians' access to new medications. Industry's concerns have not been adequately addressed by the recently revised guidelines. Our concerns are supported by independent studies and by the delayed product launches as a result of the regulations. The regulations will also hurt Canada's ability to realize the Department of Innovation and Science's HBEST strategy and attract investment to our life sciences sector at a time when provinces such as Ontario and Quebec want to build capacity in this area.
Let me assure you that IMC members are sensitive to the increasing strain on health budgets. However, since the recent federal court decision removed a key pillar of the PMPRB's approach to price regulation, a fundamental rethinking of PMPRB's approach is now required. We remain keen to work with the federal government on alternative solutions to the proposed changes to the patented medicines regulations that would ensure that Canadians continue to have access to affordable, innovative medicines. It is not too late to find another solution to reach this objective.
To return to the industry's response to COVID-19, I'd like to leave you with three examples of my members' contributions.
First, some of our member companies are ensuring patients' continued access to the treatments they need by providing their medicines free of charge if patients cannot afford them or if they lose private prescription drug coverage due to COVID-related unemployment. On this point, I am able to report that based on feedback received from some of our members, there has in fact been minimal demand for free medication from patients. One of our members, for instance, reported that they have seen less than 2% of anticipated demand for free medicine. Others are reporting similar experiences. This suggests to us that there are far fewer people without access to the medicines they need than expected.
Second, with some provincial health care systems experiencing critical skills shortages, Innovative Medicines Canada member companies are stepping up to help patients and communities. Many of our members are providing paid leave to health professional employees, enabling them to volunteer in health care facilities, where the need is greatest.
Finally, IMC members have created a special COVID-19 fund. A key initiative created through this fund is the creation of a research chair in pandemic preparedness. This is industry's way of helping Canada prepare for the next health crisis.
Thank you again for the opportunity to talk with you about how Canada's innovative medicines and life sciences sector is responding to COVID-19. Like your other witnesses, we would be pleased to answer your questions.