CPhA Welcomes Investments to Improve Health of Canadians in Budget 2016

OTTAWA, March 22, 2016 /CNW/ - The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) welcomes health care investments announced in the 2016 federal budget, particularly as they relate to e-prescribing and improving immunization coverage rates, and we look forward to working with the government on the implementation of these important initiatives.

Leading up to the budget, CPhA highlighted three priority areas in its pre-budget brief to the Standing Committee on Finance, as well as in its testimony before the Committee. These priorities included improving drug access, implementing a national plan for e-prescribing, and strengthening the National Immunization Strategy.

The government's proposed investment of $50 million over two years for Canada Health Infoway to support short-term digital health activities, including e-prescribing, is an important step towards improving patient care and safety.

Budget 2016 also makes a significant commitment to improve immunization rates with funding of $25 million over five years for the Public Health Agency of Canada to update the national immunization coverage goals and disease reduction targets, improve Canada's ability to identify under and un-immunized Canadians, and develop a focused program to improve vaccine access and uptake.

The budget further recognizes that the Minister of Health has begun discussions with her provincial and territorial counterparts to negotiate a new Health Accord that would enhance the affordability and accessibility of prescription drugs, improve access to home care and mental health services, and support pan‑Canadian innovation in the delivery of health services. CPhA will continue to work with the government and other health care stakeholders on these important health issues to develop innovative solutions that reflect pharmacists' role as essential health care providers.

About the Canadian Pharmacists Association

The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) is the uniting national voice of pharmacy and the pharmacist profession in Canada. As pharmacists undertake an enhanced role in the delivery of health care services, CPhA ensures that the profession is recognized as a national leader in health care, influencing the policies, programs, budgets and initiatives affecting the profession and the health of Canadians. More information is available at www.pharmacists.ca.

SOURCE Canadian Pharmacists Association

Mark McCondach, Director of Communications, Canadian Pharmacists Association, [email protected], [phone] Ext. 285