Niki Ashton and the Federal NDP are once again calling for a national pharmacare program.

Ashton said recently that while medicare covers many critical health services, there is more that needs to be done.

She said that too many cannot afford the medication to treat their medical condition, and that a national program would save the medical system money.

Ashton added that the country "needs national leadership on this key issue", and that there is no coverage for dental care and not enough in place for mental health services.

She concluded by saying that it’s time to complete the original vision and intent of universal health care, starting with a national pharmacare program.

Universal healthcare was brought in during the 1960’s and was pioneered by Tommy Douglas and the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) in Saskatchewan.