The country's prescription-drug tab grew to $9.3 billion in 1998 from $2.6 billion in 1985. Although the most-recent figures are not yet final, it's believed the bills have continued to increase by about 10% in each of the last two years to an expected $10.3 billion in 1999 and $11.4 billion in 2000.

In 1985, 43.4% of the costs were borne by governments and 56.6% of the bills that year were picked up either out-of-pocket by patients or by private private insurers.

However, the government's share by 1998 had dropped to 41.4% and the "private sector" share had risen to 58.6%.

Health-care experts say the findings illustrate the need for a national pharmacare program to help control drug costs and ensure that all patients are adequately insured. The Chretien government promised such a plan in the 1997 election but it has backed away from the pledge. (15 March 2001)