Alberta Plans to Donate Unused Children's Pain Medicine to Ukraine
The province seeks to offload 1.4 million bottles of Turkish acetaminophen and ibuprofen, originally purchased during a 2022 shortage, citing humanitarian needs and cost-saving measures.
- Alberta's government is working on an agreement to donate 1.4 million bottles of children's pain medication, purchased from Turkey in 2022, to Ukraine.
- The medication, valued at $20.4 million, has been unused since 2023 due to safety concerns for neonatal patients and poor consumer reception of its taste and texture.
- The drugs, which expire in 2026, were part of a $70-million procurement deal that has since been scrutinized for allegations of improper contracting and procurement practices.
- Premier Danielle Smith emphasized the humanitarian need in Ukraine, citing the ongoing war and agreements to assist Ukrainian refugees, 70,000 of whom have arrived in Alberta since 2022.
- The province estimates shipping costs at up to $275,000, with Health Partners International of Canada facilitating the donation pending Health Canada approval.
The Globe and Mail 
Global News 