National Chief Irked By Drug Cost Comparison

National Chief Irked By Drug Cost Comparison

Friday, May 12, 2006 at 15:07

The Assembly of First Nations says a report on drug spending in Canada confirms First Nations are being discriminated against.

In a study released by the Canadian Institute of Health Information earlier this week, the institute reported that the average annual drug spending for First Nations people is $419, compared to an average of $770 per person in the general population.

AFN chief Phil Fontaine says that is “simply unacceptable” and it confirms that First Nations receive the least amount of health funding per person.

Fontaine blames the Non-Insured Health Benefits program, which he says has many barriers and restrictions for First Nations accessing the health plan.

He says most drugs on the drug plan list are cheaper generics, or are often listed as being in limited use or needing prior approvals.