Sep 9, 2022 – Nick Laba/North Shore News

B.C. families living with cystic fibrosis are breathing a sigh of relief, as coverage for life-changing drug Trikafta has finally been approved in the province.

But most can’t afford Trikafta without government assistance, as the annual bill for the wonder drug costs around $306,000.

Last fall, coverage for Canadians 12 and older rolled out across the country. In April this year, Health Canada approved the drug for kids age six to 11. Then, as the Canadian Drug Expert Committee posted its final recommendation for pediatric use in July, provinces like Ontario and Alberta immediately announced coverage would extend to the younger group.

For kids and families in B.C., it’s been a different story.

MLA Ma told the North Shore News that throughout the summer, she heard from many community members about making the treatment available to younger kids. Otherwise, “I might not have known about the medication or the situation regarding its coverage restrictions.”

“It enabled me to discuss the matter with Health Minister Adrian Dix, who has been very responsive to the issues and concerns I’ve raised,” she said.

Read the full article at nsnews.com.