Liberal Leader Wade MacLauchlan said Friday his party would cap the price for generic drugs for people who don't have drug insurance.

MacLauchlan said about one third of Island residents don't have insurance to cover the cost of prescription drugs.

Under the new generic drug program, the maximum price on a generic prescription would be capped at $19.95. MacLauchlan said an average generic drug prescription usually costs more than 40 dollars in the current system.

"What that will mean is that people will be accessing drugs, they will be getting better preventative treatment for various conditions.This would apply to more than a thousand drugs that are covered by the formulary that are generic drugs," said MacLauchlan.

"We think this is going to be a great benefit, and in particular to Islanders who are facing choices as to whether they can afford their drugs."

Narcotic and diabetes drugs will not be included in the cap.

The new generic drug plan is estimated to cost $4 million a year if implemented.

MacLauchlan said the overall bill for generic drugs would drop because of buying in bulk.