Sept. 19, 2012

The Editor
Times Colonist

I want to clarify information in your Sept. 18 editorial.

The Ministry of Health's investigation into employee conduct and use of research data is a serious situation.

We recognize there is significant public interest for additional details into our investigation, and I have committed to providing more information as soon as it is appropriate. However, the ministry has a duty to conduct this investigation according to the B.C. government's legislation and regulations, and to not jeopardize any potential criminal investigation. The ministry must be cautious as to what it divulges.

The intent of our investigation is not to shut down or stop valuable drug research in this province or within this government. To suggest otherwise is frankly misleading.

The ministry has a proud history of rigorous drug research; that will continue. In fact, the ministry's Drug Benefit Council continues to review drugs based on national and international evidence throughout this process, as it is unaffected. The ministry is doing everything it can to quickly reinstate other drug research.

This government is committed to making sure British Columbians have access to the best drug therapies, at the best price for taxpayers. We base our drug-coverage decisions on a rigorous review of clinical evidence, to ensure we are consistently covering the most beneficial drugs for our patients. We will continue this essential practice.

Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid
Minister of Health