Health News For North York
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Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Ontario Strengthening Hospital Drug Supply

New Ontario Government Improves Oversight and Safety of Drugs Purchased by Hospitals


Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Ontario is protecting patients by strengthening the oversight and safety of drugs that are purchased or obtained by hospitals, including chemotherapy drugs.
The new Ontario government is fulfilling its commitment to improve provincial oversight and safety with respect to the province's drug supply system by enacting regulations, effective today, that will:




  • Ensure hospitals purchase drugs only from accredited, licensed or otherwise approved suppliers

  • Give the Ontario College of Pharmacists the responsibility to inspect drug preparation premises where pharmacists and pharmacy technicians practice

These actions complement the steps taken by Health Canada to clarify oversight responsibility with respect to drug preparation, and add to the actions already taken by the Ontario government to safeguard the drug supply in the province.
Quick Facts



  • The regulation changes were prompted by the discovery in late March of under-dosing of chemotherapy drugs supplied by an independent company to four hospitals in Ontario and one hospital in New Brunswick.

  • On April 9, the government appointed Dr. Jake Thiessen to lead an independent review to determine how this occurred and provide recommendations to prevent future incidents, in addition to the steps the province is already taking.

Media Contacts



  • Media Line
    Toll-free: 1-888-414-4774
    media.nullmoh@ontario.ca
    GTA: 416-314-6197

  • Maxine Chan
    Communications Branch
    media.nullmoh@ontario.ca
    416-314-6197

  • For public inquiries call ServiceOntario, INFOline
    (Toll-nullfree in Ontario only)
    1-866-532-3161

  • Zita Astravas
    Minister's Office
    416-327-9728
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