CPhA responds to tabling of Pharmacare legislation

In response to the announcement of the tabling of Canada’s new national pharmacare program, the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) has issued a statement urging the Minister of Health to ensure a community pharmacist is included on the expert advisory committee tasked with shaping this new program.“The absence of pharmacists from the Hoskins Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare in 2018 was a missed opportunity to leverage the expertise of health-care professionals who are on the frontlines of managing drug coverage and medication care,” the statement reads."As we move forward with this new legislation and bilateral agreements with the provinces and territories, it's clear that much more work needs to be done before we see any changes at the pharmacy counter," said Glen Doucet, CEO, CPhA. "Including pharmacists in the advisory process will ensure that any pharmacare program is practical, effective, and tailored to meet the needs of Canadians."In the statement, CPhA notes that the association continues to support a mixed public-private system to achieve universal coverage, citing two key reasons. First, private coverage has historically been more generous than public, government-funded plans. A mixed public-private system would provide those without coverage with more comprehensive coverage, without reducing the level of care for others. Second, transitioning millions of Canadians from private to public coverage could result in significant disruption for millions of people."Our goal is to enhance access to medications for all Canadians while ensuring the sustainability of our health-care system. A mixed payer system, with the inclusion of pharmacists in its planning and execution, is the best path forward," added Doucet. "We are committed to working with the Government and all stakeholders to realize a pharmacare program that truly meets the needs of Canadians." Read: Pharmacy responds with one voice to news of national Pharmacare deal

CPhA responds to tabling of Pharmacare legislation

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