Breathing Is Essential

Oxygen therapy saves lives and healthcare dollars

Oxygen therapy is a lifeline for people living with chronic lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis. It reduces hospitalizations and improves quality of life. Yet across Canada, access to medically necessary oxygen depends on where you live, how you qualify, and how much you can afford to pay out of pocket.

It’s time for Canada to designate oxygen therapy as an essential medicine and cover it for ALL Canadians who need it.

14%

$2.58

Healthcare costs are saved when spending on oxygen.

50%

Healthcare professional say that provincial guidelines dont allow them to prescribe oxygen to those in need

What Needs to Change

All Canadians deserve equitable access to oxygen therapy. It should be based on medical need, not postal code or ability to pay.

Classify Oxygen as Essential

Classify oxygen as an essential medicine on Canada’s national formulary.

Equal Access

Ensure equitable public coverage in every province and territory.

Criteria Reform

Modernize qualification criteria so patients can access oxygen when clinically needed.

Sustained Support

Eliminate unnecessary re-qualification hurdles that disrupt care

Cost Relief

Reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients and families

Oxygen is Medicine

The Right to Breathe is a Basic Human Right

For people with pulmonary fibrosis, oxygen therapy is a lifeline.

Our Impact

Through national advocacy, research, and patient voices, CPFF has made a difference. But there is more work to do and we need your voice.

Elevated oxygen access as a national health equity issue

Prioritizing O2 Nationally

We’re helping elevate oxygen access as a national health priority

Published evidence demonstrating oxygen’s clinical and economic value

Demonstrating O2 Value

We’re publishing evidence demonstrating oxygen’s clinical and economic value

Engaging Advocates

We’re engaging policymakers, clinicians, and patient advocates coast to coast

Built momentum toward recognizing oxygen as an essential medicine

Building Momentum

We’re building momentum toward recognizing oxygen as an essential medicine

Take Action

Oxygen therapy must be designated as an essential medicine

It saves lives

It lowers healthcare costs

It improves the healthcare system

Action Centre

Your voice can help change oxygen policy in Canada.

Oxygen Resource Library

Here you will find educational videos, articles, and provincial resources to help in the fight to re-classify oxygen as a medicine.

Explore Resource Library

The O^₂Wall

The O₂ Wall brings together honest stories about breathlessness, the realities of oxygen therapy, expert tips, and the hope that carries our PF community forward.

For me, Oxygen is medicine