Loblaw Companies Ltd. / Shoppers Drug Mart Rejoins Neighbourhood Pharmacies

TORONTO, Oct. 21, 2016 /CNW/ - Loblaw Companies Ltd. / Shoppers Drug Mart has made the decision to rejoin the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada under its new leadership, and in time to participate in this year's Executive Summit. With more than 1,700 corporate, franchised and Associate-owner pharmacies in communities across the country, Loblaw Companies Ltd. and Shoppers Drug Mart are dedicated to advancing the health and wellness of Canadians.

"We are pleased to welcome back Loblaw Companies Ltd. / Shoppers Drug Mart as a member of Neighbourhood Pharmacies. This strengthens the Association's platform by demonstrating our commitment to work with all stakeholders to advance patient care access and opportunities for a sustainable healthcare system" said Vivek Sood, Chair, Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada and General Manager, Sobeys National Pharmacy Group.

"Loblaw Companies Ltd. / Shoppers Drug Mart rejoining Neighbourhood Pharmacies is an important recognition of the benefits of Association membership, our strategic plan and the work underway to innovate the pharmacy reimbursement model with emphasis on patient health outcomes," said Justin Bates, Chief Executive Officer of Neighbourhood Pharmacies.

"The Association is focused on building success with a strong and diverse membership base, industry collaboration, and the development of evidence-based public policy solutions for all levels of governments, the private insurance sector, and Canadian patients, who rely on the highest quality care in our neighbourhood pharmacies," Bates said. 

"We are committed to supporting our pharmacists in providing the best possible care for their patients. A vital component of this commitment is working with, and helping to bring together, pharmacy stakeholders that are focused on the same objectives," said Jeff Leger, Executive Vice President, Pharmacy and Healthcare at Shoppers Drug Mart.

"Our industry is steadily and successfully expanding our focus beyond just providing prescription medications to providing Canadians with comprehensive patient-centered pharmacy services that help improve health and wellbeing. With an ongoing requirement to address both professional and business issues there is a need for aligned support for all the Canadian pharmacy associations to advocate on behalf of our sector," said Leger.

The value proposition for Neighbourhood Pharmacies has never been clearer in bringing transparency and a focus on collaboration, with all stakeholders, on issues management and advocacy initiatives that are relevant to both the business and profession of pharmacy.  Neighbourhood Pharmacies wants to ensure the highest quality of professional patient care is delivered in ways that will ensure the sustainability of the business of pharmacy for decades to come.

We are witnessing that we are stronger together when we present solutions and new directions to the challenges facing the healthcare system – but we can only be successful if we stand together. Now is the time to reach out and engage with the Association in new ways to ensure your future success.

About the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada:

Neighbourhood Pharmacies represents the business of pharmacy and advocates for Canada's leading pharmacy brands who deliver high value, quality care to Canadians in all models including chain, banner, long-term care, and specialty pharmacies as well as grocery chains and mass merchandisers with pharmacies.

We are the voice and advocate for our members who:

• Are the Canadian business leaders and health professionals committed to running successful, sustainable neighbourhood pharmacies;
• Operate neighbourhood pharmacies across Canada and provide pharmacy services and other core healthcare products and services;
• Focus on wellness, treatment and prevention;
• Ensure fulfilment of almost 70% of Canadian prescriptions each year;
• Employ more than half a million Canadians, including 75% of pharmacists practicing in neighbourhood pharmacies across Canada; and,
• Reinvest in human capital and innovation.

About Loblaw Companies Limited:

With more than 2,400 franchise and corporate-owned grocery stores and Shoppers Drug Mart Associate-owned pharmacies, Loblaw is a Canadian retail leader, dedicated to advancing the health and wellness of Canadians. Its company purpose – Live Life Well – is supported by its 5,000 healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, opticians, dietitians, and nurses, offering a range of services like prescriptions, med checks, flu shots, minor-ailment diagnoses, and nutrition consultations. Each week, 17 million Canadians interact with Loblaw and Shoppers Drug Mart in stores or online. 

SOURCE Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada

Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada Media Contact: Anthony J. Silva, VP, Stakeholder Relations & Technology, T: 416-226-9100 ext. 4005, E: [email protected]; Loblaw Companies Ltd. / Shoppers Drug Mart Media Contact: Tammy Smitham, Vice President, External Communications, T: 416-490-2892, E: [email protected]