The Importance of Access to Medications for Pediatric Patients: Why Children Need Patient Advocacy the Most – A Canadian Perspective cont'd

Indigenous and Rural Pediatric Populations

Indigenous children face even greater disparities. Remote locations, jurisdictional confusion over federal versus provincial healthcare responsibilities, and historical distrust of the system all contribute to poor access. Advocacy efforts must be inclusive and collaborative with Indigenous communities to ensure culturally appropriate, equitable care.

MovingForward: WhatNeedstoChange

Inclusion of Pediatric Needs in National Pharmacare: Any future national drug strategy must be pediatric-inclusive, with equitable coverageacrossall regions.

Streamlined Access for Rare Disease Medications: Canada should adopt a pediatric fast-track process for rare disease drug approvalsandfunding,withachild-firstlens

SupportforPediatricTrials:

More funding and regulatory encouragement for pediatric research will improve the evidence base and lead to more on-label use of essential medications

Strengthening the Advocacy Infrastructure: Empowering patient advocacy organizations with resources and partnerships will ensure continued pressure on decision-makers to prioritizechildhealth.

Children in Canada deserve access to safe, timely, and affordable medications. Yet the current landscape is uneven, slow, and in many cases, ill-equipped to address their uniqueneeds.

Pediatric patients require dedicated advocacy because they can’t fight for themselves. The role of patient advocates in this space is not only to raise awareness, but to push for structural change, equity, and compassion in a healthcare system that must be reoriented to prioritize its youngest and most vulnerable members. In doing so, we create a healthier, more just future for children, families, and all Canadians.