Pharmaceutical symposium examines ways to improve prescribing practices To provide a forum for the continuing development of the National Pharmaceuticals Strategy (NPS), the Health Council is hosting an invitational symposium, Safe and Sound - Optimizing Prescribing Behaviours, on June 12 and 13 at the Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain Hotel. Read More... Prescribing practices: from doctor to patient - factors that influence prescribing practices of physicians To provide a foundation for the symposium, the Health Council has commissioned a background paper called Optimal Prescribing and Medication Use in Canada - Challenges and Opportunities. Read More... Optimal prescribing in Canada and the Health Council's report Why Health Care Renewal Matters: Lessons from Diabetes The Health Council of Canada's March 2007 report Why Health Care Renewal Matters: Lessons from Diabetes examines how optimal prescribing can help patients avoid complications from diabetes. Read More... Newfoundland and Labrador make drugs more affordable With many people facing high prescription costs, Newfoundland and Labrador has found a way to make drugs more affordable. While a step in the right direction, the Health Council has called for catastrophic drug coverage to help all Canadians pay for expensive drugs to cover serious health conditions. Read More... Questions and answers on the Canadian Optimal Medication Prescribing and Utilization Service (COMPUS) Many organizations in Canada are working to improve prescribing practices. These organizations include Health Canada through the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) and programs offered by the Canadian Optimal Medication Prescribing and Utilization Service (COMPUS). Read More...