(Ottawa) – HealthCareCAN is commending the recommendations of the interim report of the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare, particularly for its focus on investing in data and information technology (IT) systems as a foundational element to developing national pharmacare in Canada.
“Health organizations across the country are looking to the federal government to invest in digital health and data platforms today, so that we can innovate and transform our health system to meet the needs of Canadians,” said Paul-Émile Cloutier, President and CEO of HealthCareCAN. “We contend that this should also be a part of the soon-to-be released 2019 federal budget.”
HealthCareCAN has recommended that the federal government support the creation of national digital health platforms that enable data sharing between institutions across Canada. These platforms will improve health outcomes for Canadians, position Canada as a world-leader in evidence-based, data-driven health research, and attract investments in the health and life sciences industries to Canada.
“Developing common platforms to link and share health data across institutions and jurisdictions will help researchers answer key questions about health, risk factors and disease, and will support clinicians in delivering the best care in the most affordable way,” added Mr. Cloutier. “But first we must flatten the silos in which health data currently exists.”
HealthCareCAN has published an Issue Brief on the design of national pharmacare and looks forward to collaborating further as the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare develops its final report for release this spring.
HealthCareCAN is the national voice of healthcare organizations and hospitals across Canada. We foster informed and continuous, results-oriented discovery and innovation across the continuum of healthcare. We act with others to enhance the health of the people of Canada; to build the capability for high quality care; and to help ensure value for money in publicly financed, healthcare programs.
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Media contact:
Steve Wharry
Director, Communications and Member Services
SWharry@healthcarecan.ca
855-236-0213/613-241-8005 ext. 205 │ Cell: 613-761-8400
