To the Minister of Health;

To the Minister of Health; Canada has a serious healthcare issue on its hands. Though we proudly proclaim ourselves a progressive nation with public healthcare access, there remain children who today do not have the proper access to prescription medicines and proven treatment avenues. This is a serious flaw in our system, relating both to economic disparity and access limitations. Based on the disposition that Ontario has historically taken toward its publics, we have grown accustomed to expecting the kind of compassionate treatment that saves lives. On the matter of public healthcare, it is clear to me that the government is interested in redressing these matters. Therefore, I feel confident that words of my letter will be well received. According to your website, Ontario is fortunate to have a "government committed to reforming the public drug system through the Transparent Drug System for Patients Act, 2006, which made changes to the Ontario Drug Benefit Act and the Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act." (Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, 1) In particular, you have claimed a direct interest improving patient access. This is an issue which is clearly of great importance to us. Indeed, it is the purpose of my letter to contend that there is still quite a great deal of work to be done in helping to realize that goal. Moreover, the government of Ontario has a direct responsibility here. There is little question that you have shown the awareness and ability that are necessary to help address the need in the general public for an access that defies economic divisions. Indeed, improvements in accessibility of prescription drugs have genuinely helped to raised living standards and life expectancy amongst Canadians. This is to note that " 'illnesses that were at one time rapid and a death sentence, we're now able to treat with the benefits of modern medicine and we've been able to turn catastrophic illness into chronic illness." (Gillis, 1) Our medicine has certainly seen improvement. However, the idea of public and universal health coverage remains elusive, especially where drugs are concerned. As you are likely aware, drug plans have yet to become a universal part of healthcare treatment opportunities. You must also know that the significant social problem of high "drug costs is particularly critical in Atlantic Canada, where 24 per cent of the populace, or 600,000 people, have no drug plan." (Gillis, 1) There are many families with children who fall quite problematically in a middle ground between those who are most in need and those who have the means to receive the highest possible care. For these middling families, there is an issue of affordability which often detains children from the medicines they need. It is my belief and the underlying purpose of this correspondence to make the argument that our children's health and well- being is far too important to leave subject to a question of economic ability. As many ordinary citizens can certainly attest, "far too many people who are not poor enough to be on social assistance and certainly not wealthy enough by any definition to afford the cost of these drugs are left to fend for themselves." (Gillis, 1) The idea that any of our citizens could slip through the cracks of the public system is suggestive of some disconnect between these citizens and their government. Therefore, I believe that you have to do more to reach out directly to those who in the areas of greatest need. A good way to do this might be to channel the selected message of access universality needed through an effective conduit. On the subject of prescription drug plans, we are therefore given very good reason to believe that the local pharmacist would be an ideal conduit. According to a recent article, "85% of Ontarians agree that pharmacists put the health of patients before economic gain." (CNW Group, 1) This means that we should consider the pharmacist as a potentially important community figure in the fight against the inaccessibility of prescription drugs for our children. Therefore, I am recommending the consideration of a public program which helps to train pharmacists to actively provide patients with information about generic medication alternatives, programs for prescription coverage assistance and a generally supportive approach to customer interaction. Please consider this correspondence an attempt to encourage greater dialogue and action on the subject of children's access to quality medicine. Therefore, this set of recommendations also includes a plan for unequivocally universal access and outreach for children in need of coverage. Partnering with local and regional pharmacies and pharmacists would be an effective way to spread awareness of universal cover opportunities for children. It is urgent that we act today, purely for the reason that every day without the proper medication can mean one less healthy, happy child. That cost is simply too high to allow. Please take into careful consideration the issues and recommendations here raised. Ontario's future is dependent upon it. Thank you for your serious consideration of the matters here raised.