Improve BC’s access-to-medicine policies
Improve BC’s access-to-medicine policies
Recent signers:
Ricki Li and 19 others have signed recently.
The Issue
Imagine waking up every day knowing that the medication you desperately need is just out of reach. For those of us with rare genetic conditions in British Columbia, this is a daunting reality. I am one of many in our community who struggles to access life-saving medicines due to outdated policies and bureaucratic red tape. Our health—and our lives—depend on timely access to the right medications, but the current system stands as a formidable barrier.
In BC, more than 500,000 people suffer from rare diseases. Many of these individuals, like me, confront enormous obstacles when trying to obtain necessary prescriptions. These medicines are often costly, not widely available, or not covered by provincial healthcare plans. According to Health Canada, approximately 1 in 12 Canadians is affected by a rare disease, many of which require specialized medication not easily accessible through standard channels.
The lack of proper access-to-medicine policies not only affects individuals but also places an undue financial burden on families and the healthcare system as a whole. A study from the Canadian Forum on Civil Justice highlights that limited access leads to higher healthcare costs due to increased hospital visits and extended treatment periods. Implementing improved access policies could alleviate these pressures.
We call on the British Columbia Ministry of Health to reform its access-to-medicine policies. These reforms should include:
1. Expanding coverage for rare disease medications under BC’s PharmaCare program.
2. Eliminating bureaucratic hurdles that delay the approval and delivery of essential drugs.
3. Providing financial assistance for families who cannot afford high-cost medicines.
These steps are not only feasible but imperative. By updating these policies, BC can lead the way in Canada, ensuring that no individual is left without the essential medication they need to live a healthy, fulfilling life.
Join us in this crucial fight for accessible healthcare. Sign the petition to demand immediate action from the BC government. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of thousands.
In BC, more than 500,000 people suffer from rare diseases. Many of these individuals, like me, confront enormous obstacles when trying to obtain necessary prescriptions. These medicines are often costly, not widely available, or not covered by provincial healthcare plans. According to Health Canada, approximately 1 in 12 Canadians is affected by a rare disease, many of which require specialized medication not easily accessible through standard channels.
The lack of proper access-to-medicine policies not only affects individuals but also places an undue financial burden on families and the healthcare system as a whole. A study from the Canadian Forum on Civil Justice highlights that limited access leads to higher healthcare costs due to increased hospital visits and extended treatment periods. Implementing improved access policies could alleviate these pressures.
We call on the British Columbia Ministry of Health to reform its access-to-medicine policies. These reforms should include:
1. Expanding coverage for rare disease medications under BC’s PharmaCare program.
2. Eliminating bureaucratic hurdles that delay the approval and delivery of essential drugs.
3. Providing financial assistance for families who cannot afford high-cost medicines.
These steps are not only feasible but imperative. By updating these policies, BC can lead the way in Canada, ensuring that no individual is left without the essential medication they need to live a healthy, fulfilling life.
Join us in this crucial fight for accessible healthcare. Sign the petition to demand immediate action from the BC government. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of thousands.
Katie SchmidPetition Starter
111
Recent signers:
Ricki Li and 19 others have signed recently.
The Issue
Imagine waking up every day knowing that the medication you desperately need is just out of reach. For those of us with rare genetic conditions in British Columbia, this is a daunting reality. I am one of many in our community who struggles to access life-saving medicines due to outdated policies and bureaucratic red tape. Our health—and our lives—depend on timely access to the right medications, but the current system stands as a formidable barrier.
In BC, more than 500,000 people suffer from rare diseases. Many of these individuals, like me, confront enormous obstacles when trying to obtain necessary prescriptions. These medicines are often costly, not widely available, or not covered by provincial healthcare plans. According to Health Canada, approximately 1 in 12 Canadians is affected by a rare disease, many of which require specialized medication not easily accessible through standard channels.
The lack of proper access-to-medicine policies not only affects individuals but also places an undue financial burden on families and the healthcare system as a whole. A study from the Canadian Forum on Civil Justice highlights that limited access leads to higher healthcare costs due to increased hospital visits and extended treatment periods. Implementing improved access policies could alleviate these pressures.
We call on the British Columbia Ministry of Health to reform its access-to-medicine policies. These reforms should include:
1. Expanding coverage for rare disease medications under BC’s PharmaCare program.
2. Eliminating bureaucratic hurdles that delay the approval and delivery of essential drugs.
3. Providing financial assistance for families who cannot afford high-cost medicines.
These steps are not only feasible but imperative. By updating these policies, BC can lead the way in Canada, ensuring that no individual is left without the essential medication they need to live a healthy, fulfilling life.
Join us in this crucial fight for accessible healthcare. Sign the petition to demand immediate action from the BC government. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of thousands.
In BC, more than 500,000 people suffer from rare diseases. Many of these individuals, like me, confront enormous obstacles when trying to obtain necessary prescriptions. These medicines are often costly, not widely available, or not covered by provincial healthcare plans. According to Health Canada, approximately 1 in 12 Canadians is affected by a rare disease, many of which require specialized medication not easily accessible through standard channels.
The lack of proper access-to-medicine policies not only affects individuals but also places an undue financial burden on families and the healthcare system as a whole. A study from the Canadian Forum on Civil Justice highlights that limited access leads to higher healthcare costs due to increased hospital visits and extended treatment periods. Implementing improved access policies could alleviate these pressures.
We call on the British Columbia Ministry of Health to reform its access-to-medicine policies. These reforms should include:
1. Expanding coverage for rare disease medications under BC’s PharmaCare program.
2. Eliminating bureaucratic hurdles that delay the approval and delivery of essential drugs.
3. Providing financial assistance for families who cannot afford high-cost medicines.
These steps are not only feasible but imperative. By updating these policies, BC can lead the way in Canada, ensuring that no individual is left without the essential medication they need to live a healthy, fulfilling life.
Join us in this crucial fight for accessible healthcare. Sign the petition to demand immediate action from the BC government. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of thousands.
Katie SchmidPetition Starter
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111
The Decision Makers
British Columbia's Ministry of Health
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Petition created on April 26, 2026