Systemic Barriers to Medication Access in Canada & The Role of Patient Advocacy in Overcoming Barriers

by Cheryl Petruk, MBA

to become available through public drug plans, a duration significantly longer than in many peer countries. These delays can detrimental, especially for patients requiring timely access innovative treatments. (Innovative Medicines Canada, Myeloma Canada)

3.StructuralandInstitutionalInequities

Systemic racism and institutional biases contribute to disparities medication access. Racialized communities often face implicit biases from healthcare providers, language barriers, and geographic challenges, such as pharmacy deserts in underserved areas. These factors collectively hinder equitable access to medications marginalizedpopulations.(PMC)

4.HealthLiteracyandSystemNavigationChallenges

Many patients struggle with understanding the healthcare system and their treatment options. This is particularly true for newcomers to Canada, who may be unfamiliar with the healthcare infrastructure, leading to difficulties in accessing and adhering to prescribed medications.(CaringforKidsNewtoCanada-Home)

Systemic Barriers to Medication Access in Canada & The Role of Patient Advocacy in Overcoming Barriers cont'd

TheRoleofPatientAdvocacyinOvercomingBarriers Patientadvocacy organizationsareinstrumental inaddressing thesesystemicchallengesby:

1.InfluencingPolicyandRegulatoryProcesses

Advocacy groups actively participate in the drug approval and pricing processes, providing patient perspectives to bodies like Health Canada and the Patented Medicines Prices Review Board (PMPRB). Their involvement ensures that patient needs and experiences are considered in policy decisions (CACHEducation)

2.PromotingEquitableAccessandAwareness

Organizations such as Arthritis Society Canada and Myeloma Canada work to highlight disparities in medication access and advocate for policies that promote equity. They engage in public education campaigns and collaborate with stakeholders to address systemic inequities Wikipedia+1MyelomaCanada+1

3.EnhancingHealthLiteracyandPatientEmpowerment

Advocacy groups provide resources and support to help patients understand their treatment options and navigate the healthcare system. For example, Asthma Canada offers educational materials and support services to empower patients in managing their condition effectively. Wikipedia

4.FacilitatingTimelyAccesstoMedications

By engaging with policymakers and healthcare providers, advocacy organizations work to streamline processes and reduce delays in medication access. Their efforts aim to ensure that patientsreceivetimely andappropriatetreatmentswithoutunnecessary bureaucratichurdles.

Systemic barriers continue to impede equitable access to medications in Canada, affecting the health and well-being of many individuals. Patient advocacy plays a vital role in identifying these challengesandworking towardssolutionsthatprioritizepatientneeds.

Through policy influence, education, and support, advocacy organizations strive to create a healthcare system where all Canadians have timely and equitable access to the medications they require