Neighbourhood Pharmacy supports Premiers' efforts to strengthen sustainable healthcare

TORONTO, July 26, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, Canada's Premiers spoke about their continuing work to improve Canada's healthcare system. The Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS) is a supportive partner in the Premiers efforts to manage healthcare costs, while ensuring access to high quality care.

"CACDS looks forward to ongoing work with Canada's Premiers as they consider key initiatives that can strengthen the healthcare system while reducing costs.  For instance, the pharmacy community is in discussions with various governments on our proposed plan that could save governments across Canada between $8.5 billion and $11 billion over the next three years - a much larger amount than isolated changes can deliver - while at the same time significantly enhancing the quality of the patient experience in Canada," said Denise Carpenter, President and CEO of CACDS.

Canada's Premiers also spoke about the need to expand access to services, and enhance the quality of care by taking a closer look at the themes of appropriateness of care and seniors care. Canada's neighborhood pharmacies applauds this focus.

Neighourhood pharmacy's proposal 9000 Points of Care: Improving Access to Affordable Healthcare addresses the appropriateness of care and access to care through a combination of initiatives including; expanded scope of practice for pharmacists; improved accessibility of health services through the pharmacy; and, building appropriate infrastructure to help Canadians manage chronic diseases and prevent adverse drug reactions.

"Canada's pharmacy community can assist in lowering the cost of healthcare delivery while also improving patient health outcomes. Our work compliments the Premiers focus on opportunities within the team-based model framework to increase the important role that pharmacy plays in ensuring the delivery and provision of front line services," continued Carpenter.

CACDS is encouraged by recent discussions with governments that recognize the valuable role that pharmacy can play in improving patient outcomes through the accessibility and quality of care pharmacy offer.

About the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores
CACDS is the national association advocating for neighbourhood pharmacy in Canada. The retail members of CACDS operate 2,600 pharmacies and employ almost 7,500 pharmacists in Ontario, delivering healthcare closer to home. The association provides its members with a wide range of services including representation of industry viewpoints to governments and stakeholders, authoritative research and partnership initiatives — all in the interest of enhancing the value of neighbourhood pharmacy to patients and consumers. Visit us online at www.cacds.com or www.9000pointsofcare.ca

SOURCE: Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores

David Simmonds
[email protected]
416-908-2587