I read, with interest, the paper by Rosser and Kasperski. I was struck by how similar and applicable the problems and issues identified for family physicians are to those pharmacists face today in Canada's health system. There is a need for a coordinated and systematic approach to address infrastructure support for all primary-care providers. In this companion article, I will provide evidence to support the Ontario College of Physicians' position on strengthening family physicians' abilities to provide excellent primary care. To provide further background I would briefly like to share information regarding the appetite Canadians have for pharmaceuticals.
Drugs are a key component of the Canadian health system.
In contrast to the full coverage grated to necessary hospital and medical care, Canada's system of public health insurance defined by the Canada Health Act, only covers drugs received as part of institutional care as an insured benefit. Prescription and non-prescription drugs provided in the community are financed by multiple public and private payers. This is similar in magnitude to expenditures on physician services. For the continuation of this or any other article, please subscribe . Please read our website legal disclaimer .