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Minister of Health releases statement on drug and other health product shortages

Authored byKatie Lee

Update: Health Canada’s consultation on improving access to drugs and other health products has been extended and will close on August 31, 2023.


On June 5, 2023, the Minister of Health released a statement on drug and other health product shortages, providing an update on actions being taken aimed at minimizing shortages and their impacts.

As one action, Health Canada is conducting a 60-day consultation on improving access to drugs and other health products, which Health Canada states “will be used to develop solutions for Health Canada and others who have a role to play in helping prevent shortages”. The consultation will close on August 4, 2023.

As a further action, Health Canada established a new external Health Products Supply Chain Advisory Committee to share their expertise and provide advice on approaches to shortage prevention and management.

In addition, the Minister of Health will conduct “a series of roundtables with key stakeholders from June to September to discuss strategies and identify solutions to prevent and mitigate drug shortages”.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Life Sciences Regulatory & Compliance Group.

The preceding is intended as a timely update on Canadian intellectual property and technology law. The content is informational only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. To obtain such advice, please communicate with our offices directly.