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If generic use in Quebec increased to the same level as in the rest of Canada Quebec would save $140 million in prescription drug costs
A new report reinforces the position of the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association

Montreal, April 24, 2003 – “Quebec could save $140 million in prescription drug costs if generic use in Quebec increased from 10% to 15% of overall drug revenues as is the case in the rest of Canada,” said Mr. Jim Keon, President of the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA).

The CGPA’s intervention follows the publication of a report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information on the evolution of prescription drug expenses.

The most recent statistics in this report indicate that Quebec is the province whose percentage of prescription drugs expenses relative to total drug expenses is the greatest in Canada (83.1%). Quebec is also the province with the greatest per capita prescription drug cost, $420.60, compared to a Canadian average of $380.90.

According to Mr. Keon, the report’s conclusions clearly demonstrate that it is high time that Quebec acted to curb these expenses. “Given that generic drugs cost 45% less on average that their brand equivalents, one solution to counter the spiraling increase in prescription drug costs in Quebec is to increase their share of the market to the same level as in the rest of Canada. And ultimately, it is the consumers who would benefit from these savings of $140 million,” he added.

“We are more than ready to cooperate with the new government of the Province of Quebec, which has made of the health issue its first priority, in order to study the measures likely to reduce prescription drug expenses and thereby reduce the deficit in the health sector,” concluded Mr. Keon.

About the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association

The Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association represents Canada's generic drug industry – a dynamic group of companies that specialize in the production of high quality, affordable generic drugs and fine chemicals and in conducting the clinical trials required for government approval of generic drugs. It plays an important role in helping control overall healthcare costs by keeping the cost of medications down: generic drugs are priced, on average, 45% less than their brand-name equivalents.

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