Merck Canada supports Health Canada's initiative to ensure Canadians have quicker access to products that are switched from prescription to over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. On Thursday, April 26th, the Federal Government announced that, as part of the Economic Action Plan 2012, it will eliminate regulatory red tape that currently delays the availability of medicines as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.

"As a healthcare company, we realize that there are many components to a healthy society. Providing consumers with more OTC healthcare alternatives is a great way to promote the importance of self-care within our society and contribute to the viability of our health care system" said Mr. Bruno Mäder, General Manager, Merck Consumer Care "We applaud all measures that will make our healthcare system more efficient without compromising the health and safety of consumers".

The Federal Government announcement indicated that that they will reduce the delays associated with switching a drug from prescription status to OTC status by eliminating Schedule F of Health Canada's Food and Drug Regulations. Drug safety will continue to be confirmed through the same rigorous process of scientific review before a drug can be approved for sale and before a drug can be sold OTC.

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