![](https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2310/files/2019/09/5d754ad6023d16187319bd19jpeg.jpg)
Health Canada eyes private-sector cash to fund opioids solution
OTTAWA — Health Canada is hoping to use private-sector dollars to fight opioid addiction because “conventional efforts are not enough” to address the national health crisis, newly released documents reveal.
For months, the department has been quietly considering a pay-for-performance project to see if specific help targeted at a small group of opioid addicts reduces their dependence on the drug, improves their health and, above all, reduces deaths from overdoses.
What makes the effort unique is that officials are looking at having private backers take on the financial risk to fund the experiment, which is estimated to cost more than $4 million, with federal payouts only if the work produces measurable success.
The results of a study filling in details on the actual work and costs, as well as the level of private-sector interest in bankrolling the project, were delivered to Health Canada last week.