Alberta Pharmacists' Association (RxA) continues to be frustrated with the actions of government towards the profession of pharmacy

EDMONTON, April 10, 2013 /CNW/ - With just a day before a province-wide pharmacist rally, the government of Alberta announced an ineffective solution to alleviate pharmacist concerns regarding their professional livelihood due to recent cuts.  Announced today on the Dave Rutherford Talk Show, Health Minister, Fred Horne, confirmed government's intention to implement support measures resulting from Budget 2013 generic pricing reductions (www.health.alberta.ca/newsroom.html). These measures were previously rejected by the Alberta Pharmacists' Association (RxA). This week, RxA had presented the views of members directly to Minister Horne to emphasize that these measures were not significant enough to support pharmacists and pharmacies; however, the Minister has chosen to ignore these recommendations. The true reinvestment of government's savings to pharmacies is only $12 million or 13%, not $40 million as suggested by the Minister.

"Government still does not engage our profession in the decision making process," remarked Byron Bergh, President of RxA.  "Their announcement today was unilateral and is a band-aid solution that does not address the long term sustainability problems that government has created."

This announcement demonstrates government's unwillingness to heed the advice of the profession and perpetuates the fundamental issue of long term sustainability.  While the relief measures that have been announced may mitigate some losses in the short term, it is clear that the underlying causes of pharmacists' concerns will persist. The future of many pharmacists' practices and patient care services remains under threat, if not completely undermined. A more meaningful effort, which addresses the structural issues that the pharmacy profession now faces as a result of Government's unilateral decision to reduce generic drug prices, is required.

"Pharmacists have dedicated their professional careers to helping patients, but government continues to make decisions that will limit the ability of pharmacists to care for Albertans," said Bergh.  "Real change is required to support pharmacists in delivering patient care. It has been over 20 years since government has made meaningful changes to the fees that pharmacists are paid for their dispensing services and this generic pricing reduction will make the practice of pharmacy very difficult."

Alberta Pharmacists and pharmacy supporters are continuing to voice concerns across the province regarding the impact Budget 2013 will have on the profession. A pharmacist rally is taking place on April 11 at 11:00 AM and will be held across Alberta.

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About RxA:

The Alberta Pharmacists' Association (RxA) promotes the value of pharmacists in supporting and advancing the health of Albertans. We…

• Advocate and advance the profession
• Engage stakeholders about the value of pharmacist services
• Advocate for appropriate compensation and recognition of pharmacists' contribution to healthcare
• Inspire excellence in the profession and pharmacist practice
• Support members by providing quality services and professional development

SOURCE: Alberta Pharmacists' Association

For Media Inquiries:
Cynthia Rousseau
Director of Communications
Alberta Pharmacists' Association 
[email protected]