Senate passes pharmacare bill to cover diabetes and birth control medications

The Senate has passed a pharmacare bill that will allow the government to cover diabetes and birth control medications under the public health system. This bill is part of a previous agreement between the Liberals and NDP. The legislation will help shape a future national pharmacare plan. British Columbia has already agreed to start the program, while Health Minister Mark Holland aims to include all provinces and territories by spring 2025. The bill must receive royal assent before any agreements can be finalized. The Senate made no changes to the original bill during the vote.