Catastrophic drug lobby launched

A letter-writing campaign is underway to urge the provincial governments in P.E.I. and New Brunswick to adopt a catastrophic drug program.

They are the only provinces without a program to cover the cost of expensive drug programs for people who need them to stay alive or keep debilitating illnesses at bay.

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada says it's time P.E.I. and New Brunswick joined the rest of the country. Jessesar MacNeil, director of government relations for the society, told CBC News Tuesday the lack of coverage forces families to make difficult choices.

"People with chronic illnesses are deciding to not buy groceries to be able to pay for their treatments," said MacNeil.

"Or on the other side of it, they are going without their treatments to help keep their families afloat."

The society has launched a website where people can fill out a form letter that will then be sent to their MLA, the premier and the health minister in their province.

P.E.I. Health Minister Carolyn Bertram has said she agrees a program is needed, but the province can't afford it without help from Ottawa.