86.14EM Emergency Resolution: Generic Drugs
Whereas, until 1969 multinational corporations enjoyed an almost complete monopoly of the Canadian pharmaceutical market, through the patent system, and drug prices were the highest in the developed world;
Whereas, since 1969, when the Patent Act was amended to allow Canadian Companies to copy some patented drugs, the resulting competition has reduced the price of all drugs 20 percent; in 1983 alone saved consumers (including provincial health plans) $211 million, and spawned a generic drug industry in Canada;
Whereas, the same testing and safety regulations apply to all pharmaceuticals sold in Canada (including 'fillers' in the product, etc.);
Whereas, the potential for expansion of Basic and Applied Research in Canada lies with the Canadian generic and biological companies and with public institutions, because multi-nationals for reasons of economy, centralize Applied Research for their world markets at their headquarters and delegate to branch plants only aspects of Preclinical and Clinical evaluation relating to required approval from regulatory agencies;
Whereas, the potential for a Canadian export business lies with the generic and biological industry which by 1982 had increased exports to $8 million;
Whereas, a climate of new preventive and curative attitudes and techniques prevails regarding wellness/illness, which may alter reliance on drugs and which would benefit by more choice in the health care industry and freedom from a marketplace, permeated by internationally powerful, traditional, profit-oriented drug companies; and,
Whereas, the availability at reasonable and fair cost of necessary widely used drugs is particularly of concern to women who often are the family 'nurse', who are the objects of most drug prescriptions and who are the majority of senior citizens;
Therefore be it RESOLVED,
RESOLVED, that The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to:
- Support and encourage the Canadian-owned drug, generic drug, and biological manufacturing industry;
- Retain and strengthen the provision of Section 41(4) of the Patent Act 1969 re. Licensing of generic drugs;
- Encourage competition and reduce cost, particularly of essential drugs; and,
- Limit any changes to those recommended by the Eastman Commission; and be it further
RESOLVED, that The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Provincial Councils of Women or the Local Councils of Women where no provincial councils exist, to urge their respective Provincial Governments to do the same.