In addition, I have recommended that the Ministry centrally monitor the number of patients receiving drugs under the New Drug Funding Program, the duration of treatment and the expenses associated with the funding. [...] In the case of Avastin, the funding limit flies in the face of the acceptable standard of oncology practice in this province and beyond. [...] Among the amendments was the introduction of the following set of guiding principles for the public drug system: 1. The public drug system aims to meet the needs of Ontarians, as patients, consumers and taxpayers. [...] The Subcommittee considers the clinical efficacy and safety, the standard of care, and the cost effectiveness of the drug (i.e. [...] At present, the Subcommittee advises the Committee to Evaluate Drugs of the results of its evaluation, and the Committee, in turn, makes a recommendation to the Executive Officer regarding funding.