Role of Non-governmental Organizations

The Government of Canada regards non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as valuable resources and actively consulted with them when designing Canada's Access to Medicines Regime.

NGOs can continue to play a role in the Regime. Where an NGO has the permission of the government of an eligible importing country, it may enter into a sales agreement with a Canadian manufacturer for the purchase of pharmaceutical products on the country's behalf.

In such a case, the importing country is still required to make the appropriate notification to the   World Trade Organization (WTO) or the  Government of Canada of its intention to import a drug or medical device under the Regime. The NGO may not make the notification on the country's behalf.