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The article discusses the sanctions of scientists to speak freely abut their works by the Liberal government of Canada. It notes the 2013 survey of trade union Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) which reported the highest rates of interference by management with manuscripts and conference presentations among members of government department Health Canada. It also notes the call of PIPSC and Evidence for Democracy for a legacy of draconian communication policies.

Recent expansion of the molecular diagnostics industry has revealed weaknesses in Canada's regulatory system for laboratory-developed tests, which are not subject to statutory regulations on medical devices. Absent regulation as medical devices, the only controls on test performance are laboratory regulation and accreditation, which are heterogeneous and sometimes flawed and do not necessarily include assessment of test validity, safety and efficacy. Diagnostics developed as "test kits" and sold to laboratories, hospitals and clinics are considered to be in vitro diagnostics devices under Medical Devices Regulation in accordance with the federal I Food and Drugs Act i . [Extracted from the article]

The article reports on the proposal of Health Canada for a new regulatory regime for drugs. Under its paper, "The Progressive Licensing Framework Concept Paper for Discussion," Health Canada proposes to lower the threshold for initial market authorization licenses in exchange for more safety and efficacy studies as a condition for selling a drug. The institution's proposed regime involves the incorporation of post-market surveillance in its oversight of drugs.

Background: Globally, pharmaceutical companies offer patient support programs in tandem with their products, which aim to enhance medication adherence and patient experience through education, training, support and financial assistance. We sought to identify the proportion and characteristics of such patient support programs in Canada and to describe the nature of supports provided. Methods: We conducted a crosssectional study to identify and characterize all marketed prescription drugs available in Canada as of Aug. 23, 2022, using the Health Canada Drug Product and CompuScript databases. To describe the nature of supports provided, we conducted a content analysis of publicly available patient support program websites and Web-based documents. Using logistic regression, we identified characteristics of drugs associated with having a patient support program including brand-name or branded generic (generic medications with a proprietary name), orphan (medications for rare diseases) or biologic drug status; estimated total cost of prescriptions dispensed at retail pharmacies; and price per unit. Results: Of the 2556 prescription drugs marketed by 89 companies in the study period, 256 (10.0%) had a patient support program in Canada. Many of the 89 drug manufacturers (n = 55, 61.8%) offered at least 1 patient support program, frequently relying on third-party administrators for delivery. Brandname and branded generic medications, biologic agents and drugs with orphan status were more likely to have a patient support program than generic drugs. Compared with drugs priced $1.01–$10.00 per unit, drugs priced $10.01–$100.00 per unit were nearly 8 times more likely to have a patient support program (adjusted odds ratio 7.54, 95% confidence interval 4.07– 14.64). Most sampled patient support programs included reimbursement navigation (n = 231, 90.2%) and clinical case management (n = 223, 87.1%). Interpretation: About 1 in 10 drugs marketed in Canada has a manufacturersponsored patient support program, but these are concentrated around brand-name, branded generic, biologic and high-cost drugs, often for rare diseases. To understand the impact of patient support programs on health outcomes and sustainable access to cost-effective medicines, greater transparency and independent evaluation of patient support programs is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the failed disclosure of health information in Canada. It says that Centre for Science national coordinator Bill Jeffery highlights miscomprehended decision making process taken by Health Canada such as drug reviews and the difficult accessibility of information. Open government access expert David Eaves mentions withholding data as an disadvantage of developing drug identification tool.

Information about several papers discussed during the meeting of the Health Canada-commissioned expert panel on the health risks of chrysotile asbestos in Canada is presented. Topics include the strong potential relationship on the exposure to chrysotile asbestos on the occurrence of lung cancer, pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma. Among the featured health experts during the meeting include Health Canada Chairman Trevor Ogden, officer Christelle Legault, and Alex Burdorf.

The article presents the author's insights on the disclosure of information on medical devices and drug safety by Health Canada. He argues that results of clinical trials such as the adverse effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to patients below 19 years old, must be disclosed to preserve public trust and protect Canadians from harm. He adds that disclosure of findings and registration of clinical trials should be mandated by the Food and Drugs Act like in the U.S.

Reports that in late 1998 Dr. John Wootton was appointed executive director of rural health by Health Canada. Work done for the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada; Comments.

The article offers news brief in Canada. The charitable status of Liberty Wellness Initiative and Destiny Health and Wellness Foundation was revoked by the Canada Revenue Agency due to tax law violations. An adverse reaction warning was issued by Health Canada, indicating that the antirheumatic drug leflunomide is associated with peripheral neuropathy. The report entitled "Human Health Perspective on Climate Change" emphasizes that climate change could affect human health in various areas.

The article reports on the views of scientists and safety advocates that Health Canada's safety regulations for wireless devices are outdated. Topics discussed include hearings conducted by the Parliament's Standing Committee on Health about Safety Code 6, claims that the health agency's Safety Code 6 guidelines do not consider new studies about the safety of cellphones and other mobile devices, and scientists' recommendations about the use of cellphones and Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi).

The article reports on the plan of Health Canada to increase transparency into its regulatory process for drugs and medical devices by releasing clinical information submitted by drug and medical devices companies that receive market authorization. It mentions how access to clinical information submitted by companies will help people make informed decisions about their health, and increase public confidence; and plan to disclose information if the drug or medical device is approved for sale.

The article focuses on the unpreparedness of the government of Canada to face chemical, biological, radioactive, and nuclear (CBRN) disasters. According to doctor Carl Javis, the Medical Emergency Treatment for Exposures to Radiation (METER), a training package provided by Health Canada, must have a continuous funding from the government. It states that medical personnel must be trained for disaster preparedness.

The article discusses how laser hair removal is done by unlicensed operators in Canada. The organization Health Canada does ensure licensing of machines used in the procedure but does not specify who can perform it. This should be taken into consideration by the Canadian government as the treatment can have effects like burns and scarring and does require trained professionals. Though lawsuit related to it is rare in Canada, but the government should ensure safety of citizens.

The author reflects on the need for the Health Canada to overhaul its progressive licensing framework for pharmaceutical and biologic products. He stresses that the agency rarely initiate drug withdrawals or place warning label about the drugs' side effects that are initiated in other countries. He urges the agency to make drug approval transparent by making a list of drug approvals and nonapprovals on an open-access Web site. He suggests that the agency should establish an independent board that would evaluate prescription drug safety.

Reports on the plans of Health Canada to consider implementing pilot activities that would allow for concurrent reviews of drugs in Canada and the U.S. in 2005. Objectives of a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Canada in which the joint reviews would take place; Criticism of the quality of drug approvals and postmarking system of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA); Concerns of the organization Public Citizen about the drug approval process of the FDA; Problems in the review function.

This section offers news briefs on the health care sector in Canada. Health Canada is being urged to change its decision and allow the sale of nosodes, homeopathic products sometimes promoted as alternatives to vaccines. A tender has been issued by Health Canada for a project which will test how willing retailers are to sell cigarettes to young people. The human papillomavirus infection (HPV) vaccine Gardasil 9 has been approved by Health Canada.

This section offers news briefs on Canadian medical care in the week of March 17-21, 2014. Health Canada has issued a memorandum mandating the disposal of medical marijuana obtained under the expiring Marihuana Medical Access Regulations by March 31. Fraser Health has warned about the occurrence of new cases of measles in British Columbia. The proposed Pharmacy Act will allow pharmacists in New Brunswick to prescribe drugs for some minor ailments.

The article reports that Canada's Health Canada has completed review of varenicline or champix. It states that the organization evaluated data from a trial on the prescription drug, which is used for smoking cessation. It reports that though there was increase in heart related events, the study was inadequate to test effect of the drug on heart. It mentions that drug labelling for champix has been updated to include more detailed information of the study.

The author reflects on the need for pharmaceutical regulators and the Health Canada to create an open debate in their progressive licensing. He urges the government to create a transparent and patient-centered regulatory system that ensures drug safety and effectiveness. He cites the advantages and disadvantages of progressive drug licensing. He suggests that the government should invite the Canadian Academies of Science or the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences as blue-ribbon panel that would advise the Parliament on reform.

Reports that Health Canada has warned that the injectable form of droperidol has been associated with deaths in Canada. Use of the drug as a neuroleptic and antiemetic; Approval for use for postoperative nausea and nausea associated with Meniere's disease; Way that patients should be screened for a history of or risk factors for long QT syndrome.