Press release

FMSQ calls for expert input and transparency in Conseil du médicament activities

Montreal, May 4, 2005 -  The Federation of Medical Specialists of Quebec (the FMSQ) is calling for the active participation of medical experts in decisions made by the Conseil du médicament (Drug Council), and easier access to some drugs now restricted for exceptional use only under the Quebec drug insurance plan.  Both demands were presented today in a brief to the Commission parlementaire des affaires sociales (Parliamentary Commission on Social Affairs) as a follow-up to government Drug Policy proposals.

"The evaluation of any new drug or therapeutic indication must be carried out in a transparent, scientific context totally removed from purely economic and political considerations, with the aid of experts in the fields concerned who have been suggested and selected by the members of the professional associations and federations," stated Dr. Yves Dugré, the FMSQ President. The FMSQ also considers it imperative that evaluations resulting in the inclusion or exclusion of a drug on the Conseil du médicament exception list should be available for analysis and discussion.

The Federation considers that, in its present form, there is a risk of access to drugs on this list being arbitrary and subject to a costly and paralytic authorization process.  To avoid this often needless and repetitive administrative burden, the FMSQ believes that some groups of medical specialists should have immediate access to certain "leading-edge" drugs for patients with clearly-defined and often chronic disorders.  The FMSQ does, however, understand that an exception list is required in a health system where resources are not unlimited.

The FMSQ recognizes that passage of the Act respecting prescription drug insurance in 1997 has resulted in more Quebecers having greater access to drugs. Like the Government, the FMSQ is concerned about escalating drug costs within the health system, while wishing to preserve and improve the availability of drug therapy for patients. It is in this area that the FMSQ wishes to have input, via expert committees, in decisions made by the Conseil du médicament, so that optimal drug use can be achieved.

A number of other proposals were also presented to the Parliamentary Commission.  The full text of the FMSQ brief, "La prescription du traitement optimal par le prescripteur idéal" ("Prescription of Optimal Therapy by the Ideal Prescriber") can be found on the Federation's website: www.fmsq.org

The Federation of Medical Specialists of Quebec numbers nearly 8,000 members, representing 34 specialties. The sole agency recognized by government to negotiate collective agreements for medical specialists, the FMSQ is also consulted on every aspect of the organization of medical care in Quebec.

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