Problem
We are asking Canada's health minister to decide whether to begin the implementation of national pharmacare by way of federal procurement and distribution of a list of essential medicines, followed by negotiations over the program's expansion with possibly provincial cost-sharing.
• Which is the better option to choose?
• What are some pros and cons for each option?
I. Implement the first stage of national pharmacare by national procurement of essential medicines, paid for by the federal government.
II. Continue to negotiate the implementation of the first stage of national pharmacare through federal and provincial cost-sharing.