Drug Safety Is Influenced More by Business Interests Rather Than Public Health

The safety of pharmaceutical drugs in Canada is a concern. While Health Canada is given the power to measure safety and approve drugs, the process has its limits. There is a growing trend towards practicing “risk management” rather than the “precautionary principle” when drugs are approved. There is also a greater priority put on meeting the interest of drug companies compared to the potential harm to public health. “Progressive licensing” would allow for drugs to be assessed for safety even after it’s approved.