Bill C-393 looking for support
The Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal
Network is looking to reform
Canada's Access to Medicines
Regime by passing Bill C-393,
which would provide generic
drugs to developing countries to
fight disease.
"It would cut through the hurdle found in the current mechanism," said executive director of CAMR Richard Elliot, adding that if generic medicine manufacturers and patients don't find the system user-friendly, "patients will pay the price."
They've faced opposition from brand name pharmaceutical companies that argue generics are like counterfeit medications. Elliot counters that this claim is just "not the case," and that generic medications are "simply something that is not a brand name."
"Generic is by no means substandard," he said. He also explained that Health Canada holds all the pharmaceuticals to the same standard, "Bill C-393 doesn't change that."
Large pharmaceutical companies also argue that it's the price of medicines and patents that create barriers to developing nations, but Elliot disagrees. "That is a) simplistic and b) misleading, which creates a false dichotomy and diverts attention from this bill."
The bill went in front of the House of Commons on March 3 for its second and final debate, and faces a vote on March 9.
The Conservative government has opposed the bill; however, some Conservative MPs have said they support it. They also have the support of the Liberal, NDP and Bloc caucuses, although the Bloc is trying to pass through a sunset clause that would force the bill to come to an end after four years.
"We are cautiously optimistic (that parties) will maintain their positions," said Elliot, about whether the bill will pass with a 50 per cent plus one vote.
"(Bill C-393) is a concrete, tangible opportunity for Canada to make a significant contribution to global health problems," he said. "It reflects on Canada as a whole as a global humanitarian actor."
It also provides an "effective" use of Canadian tax dollars that go to foreign aid, he said.
Students wanting to learn more and get involved can visit: aidslaw.ca/camr. A key step to take would be to contact your local MP prior to the March 9 vote, said Elliot.
"It would cut through the hurdle found in the current mechanism," said executive director of CAMR Richard Elliot, adding that if generic medicine manufacturers and patients don't find the system user-friendly, "patients will pay the price."
They've faced opposition from brand name pharmaceutical companies that argue generics are like counterfeit medications. Elliot counters that this claim is just "not the case," and that generic medications are "simply something that is not a brand name."
"Generic is by no means substandard," he said. He also explained that Health Canada holds all the pharmaceuticals to the same standard, "Bill C-393 doesn't change that."
Large pharmaceutical companies also argue that it's the price of medicines and patents that create barriers to developing nations, but Elliot disagrees. "That is a) simplistic and b) misleading, which creates a false dichotomy and diverts attention from this bill."
The bill went in front of the House of Commons on March 3 for its second and final debate, and faces a vote on March 9.
The Conservative government has opposed the bill; however, some Conservative MPs have said they support it. They also have the support of the Liberal, NDP and Bloc caucuses, although the Bloc is trying to pass through a sunset clause that would force the bill to come to an end after four years.
"We are cautiously optimistic (that parties) will maintain their positions," said Elliot, about whether the bill will pass with a 50 per cent plus one vote.
"(Bill C-393) is a concrete, tangible opportunity for Canada to make a significant contribution to global health problems," he said. "It reflects on Canada as a whole as a global humanitarian actor."
It also provides an "effective" use of Canadian tax dollars that go to foreign aid, he said.
Students wanting to learn more and get involved can visit: aidslaw.ca/camr. A key step to take would be to contact your local MP prior to the March 9 vote, said Elliot.
