SAINT-LAURENT, QC, June 8, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, several media reports presented inaccurate information about McKesson Canada. We wish to re-establish the facts.
An ongoing commitment to exemplary business practices
McKesson Canada has a strong reputation in the marketplace. Our decisions and interactions with customers, industry partners, governments and all other stakeholders conform to a rigorous code of conduct that reflects the highest standards in the industry. Our 3,500 employees are dedicated to upholding those exemplary business practices across Canada.
Independence of pharmacists assured at all times
McKesson Canada is committed to providing programs that help pharmacists maximize the availability of needed medications, and that assist in the efficient management of their pharmacies. That means that pharmacists may spend more time with their patients. A formulary is a list of generic medications. The selection of one company or another has no effect on the treatment itself or the treatment's cost to the patient.
The PROXIM compliance program, as described in these media reports, was abolished in 2013 after an agreement was signed with the RAMQ. McKesson Canada cooperated fully to resolve this situation and has worked closely with all stakeholders to ensure that all ongoing and future programs conform to applicable regulations.
In the case of this defunct compliance program, subscription to the formulary was strictly on a volunteer basis. Pharmacists were always at liberty to opt for another product as required by the patient, and to order that product directly from McKesson, where product alternatives were always available. As such, the independence of pharmacists was never impacted and there has been no risk to patients. Formularies are commonly used throughout the industry in Quebec. For example, hospitals and all retail pharmacy chains use formularies.
Distributor is a key role in the industry
The role of distributor is crucial within the health care industry. Both pharmacists and manufacturers look to distributors to ensure the efficient management of the supply chain, including the consolidation of inventories and constant access to medications, all while helping to optimize operational costs.
A large proportion of profits are then reinvested into the supply chain, permitting us to offer products and services that address the needs of our clients, who continue to experience significant economic pressures. These services include: helping pharmacists establish high standards for their practice, facilitate taking on new patients and improve accessibility to front-line care.
It is important to note that McKesson Canada, as a distributor, faces the same economic pressures that are experienced by other stakeholders in the health care sector.
About McKesson Canada
Founded more than 100 years ago, McKesson Canada is dedicated to delivering vital medicines, supplies and information technologies that enable the health care industry to provide patients with better, safer care. Our solutions empower pharmacies, manufacturers, hospitals and other health care institutions by enabling them to get closer to the millions of patients they serve every single day, while contributing to the quality and safety of care in Canada.
SOURCE MCKESSON CANADA
Andrew Ross - Advisor, Corporate Communications, McKesson Canada, 514.832.2587, [email protected]
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