The Santis team shares its insights on the key sectors and factors driving decisions and change in the health care and life sciences sector across Canada.
Ontario's Fall Economic Statement: A Plan to Build Ontario Together
At 3:30 p.m. on November 6, 2019, Ontario's Minister of Finance, The Honourable Rod Phillips, introduced the 2019 Fall Economic Statement. There is a clear change in tone from the government compared to 2018 and this year’s Statement underlines that tone change.
Read MoreGoodbye majority, hello minority: What the federal election means for health care
The Liberals have lost their majority and will now require the support of either the NDP, the Bloc Québécois, or the Conservative Party to pass legislation in the House of Commons. Despite winning the popular vote, the Conservative Party could not muster enough support to top the Liberals in number of seats won.
Read MoreSANTIS ANNOUNCEMENT: Santis expands its digital health expertise
Santis Health is expanding its digital health expertise as Ben King joins the Toronto office as an Associate. With over a decade of experience, Ben has extensive digital health knowledge that will enable Santis to better meet the needs of its clients who are increasingly looking to evolve their digital health portfolios.
Read MoreOntario’s Appropriateness Working Group Submits First Phase Recommendations
On Thursday, August 22, 2019, the first phase recommendations of Ontario’s Appropriateness Working Group were announced and included 11 recommendations, making changes to OHIP-insured services, tests, and procedures for patients in Ontario. Phase two is ongoing and an announcement on those recommendations are expected in the Spring. These recommendations have already been accepted by the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Medical Association (OMA).
Read MoreHealth Canada Announces Long-Awaited PMPRB Reforms
Health Canada recently announced final regulations to reduce the price of patented drugs in Canada. The new regulations represent the most significant changes to the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) since its creation in 1987.
Read MoreUpdate on Next Steps for Ontario Health Teams
On July 18, 2019, the Minister of Health and representatives from the Ministry of Health hosted a webinar about the next steps in the development of Ontario Health Teams. From the 157 self-assessments the Ministry received in May, they have identified four categories: proceeding to full application, in development, in discovery and innovative models.
Read MorePremier’s Council on Improving Healthcare and Ending Hallway Medicine releases its second report
On June 25, 2019, the Premier’s Council on Improving Healthcare and Ending Hallway Medicine released its second report. Entitled “A Healthy Ontario: Building a Sustainable Health Care System,” is a follow-up to the first report that was released January 2019. The first report identified the main challenges facing Ontario’s health care system, whereas today’s highlights 10 recommendations to move forward with actionable deliverables for the government’s consideration.
Read MorePremier Ford makes significant changes to cabinet one year into his term
On June 20, 2019, Premier Doug Ford shuffled his cabinet and added five new Associate Ministers to the mix. Christine Elliott has retained her position as Deputy Premier and a slightly revised title as Minister of Health, losing the long-term care file.
Read MoreHoskins Report Recommends Single-Payer Universal Pharmacare Plan
Rather than a “fill in the gaps” model, the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare has recommended an expansive pharmacare regime that would replace existing public and private insurance plans with a single national framework.
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