Drugs and Devices Division

The Drugs and Devices Division includes the Assistive Devices Program and Ontario Public Drug Programs.

Ontario Public Drug Programs was established in April 2007 led by an Executive Officer. Legislation gives the Executive Officer a number of powers relating to public drug programs. This approach made changes the public drug system more efficient by allowing the Executive Officer to:

• Make faster decisions that are more responsive to patients, prescribers and manufacturers
• Communicate decisions and rationale publicly
• Partner with manufacturers to improve the process for listing drugs

In 2006, the Transparent Drug System for Patients Act, 2006, which made changes to the Ontario Drug Benefit Act and the Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act was enacted. The Act enables the implementation of a stronger, more effective system including:

• Improving patient access to drugs
• Ensuring better value for money
• Strengthening the transparency and accountability in the public drug system

The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) was established through policy in 1982. The ADP provides funding assistance to Ontario residents who have long-term physical disabilities requiring assistive devices so they can stay healthy and stay at home longer, reducing the strain on hospitals and long-term care homes. The program provides funding towards assistive devices such as wheelchairs and walkers, home oxygen, hearing aids, respiratory equipment, insulin pumps, orthotic devices, limb prostheses, and ostomy supplies.