The first of three studies from the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board to compare drug coverage across provincial and federal public drug plans looks at overlap for 729 drugs that represented 82% of public drug costs in 2015. It finds that
According to research (sub. req.) from UBC, the Quebec government spends $200 more per person per year for its drug program than the rest of Canada (ROC). The province's private-public hybrid requires all employers providing health benefits to also
A report from the World Obesity Federation predicts that more than 10 million Canadians will be obese or overweight by 2025. The report estimates the global cost of treating obesity-related illnesses will be $1.5 trillion annually beginning in 2025
The Irish government plans to implement a sugar tax in April 2018, which is set to raise the cost of soft drinks. The country's 2018 Budget outlines that beverages with more than eight grams of sugar per 100ml will be taxed at €0.30 ($0.44) per litre
Australia's Department of Health rolled out a public consultation to develop a framework for the secondary use of My Health Record (MyHR) systems data in the country. The framework will build upon existing privacy laws to enable secondary use of
The European Commission has wrapped up a public consultation on the transformation of healthcare in the Digital Single Market and the need for policy measures that will promote digital innovation for better healthcare in Europe. It will instruct a
A study from The Conference Board of Canada pegs the direct healthcare expenses related to tobacco use in 2012 at $6.5 billion. The total includes: Hospital care ($3.8 billion); Prescription drugs ($1.7 billion); and Physician care ($1 billion)
The chair of Infoway Health Canada, Peter Vaughan, told a Halifax forum on healthcare in the post-baby boom era that the future includes data clouds, artificial intelligence and digitally-based healthcare solutions. He explains that technologies that
A study of the genes that underpin longevity has found that people who are overweight reduce their life expectancy by two months for every extra kilogram of weight they carry. Other key findings are that people who give up smoking, study longer and
Seniors living in the Miramichi region can sign up for the Seniors Health, Well-being and Home Safety Review, a program designed to help them remain independent longer. The review connects seniors with important programs and services in their