Statement on New Drug Coverage

We’re pleased the government is moving forward with drug coverage for New Brunswickers who are unable to afford the high cost of what doctors call ‘orphan drugs.’ These drugs are designed for extremely rare diseases and have incredibly high costs.

We are particularly pleased that the government is using an evidence-based approach to assess and fund these medications. While we wish every drug was both medically effective and cost-effective, some drugs are neither. It’s important to make funding decisions based on evidence and the Minister’s announcement yesterday shows that he’s taking the right approach.

Lynn Hansen, MD FRCPC
President, New Brunswick Medical Society