INTRODUCTION

The BMC, CTAC, and Consumer Advocare Network (See Attachment 1), submit the following position statements, issues and recommendations regarding the CDR process. As the voice of millions of Canadians living with chronic illness or conditions, we want to ensure that patients are part of the solutions to making CDR successful, and not the problem.

POSITION STATEMENTS

The Common Drug Review (CDR) process, overseen by the Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment (CCOHTA), has as its primary purpose to ensure that Canadian patients access quality treatment and care in a timely manner, and a mandate to provide recommendations regarding the inclusion of new drugs into the 19 participating federal, provincial, and territorial (F/P/T) drug plans in a timely fashion.

BMC, CTAC, and Consumer Advocare Network propose that if the CDR is to be successful in achieving its purpose and mandate, CCOHTA must address:

(1) several key CDR process issues including timeliness of processes, transparency (openness, accessibility, and accountability), objectivity and informed decisionmaking, appeal opportunity, and use of best clinical and other data to support decisions; and

(2) inclusion of relevant stakeholders including consumers in the process, through active representation and engagement on the various committees including the Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP), Pharmaceutical Advisory Committee (PAC), Devices and Systems Advisory Committee (DSAC), Common Drug Review Committee (CDRC), Canadian Expert Drug Advisory Committee (CEDAC), and CCOHTA Board. Establishing a separate Consumer Advisory Committee is also part of this position.

Click here to download and read the remainder of this position paper (PDF file).