Linked Header

Monday, May 7, 2012

Pharmacists Publish Open Letter To The Premier

Pharmacists in the province are not a happy lot these days, claiming their reimbursement from the government for dispensing fees and markup don't cover their costs.

The Executive-Director of the Pharmacists Association in the province, Paul Blanchard tells CHSJ News it costs from 13 to 15 dollars to dispense medications but the government is proposing an increase to $10.40. He also points out pharmacists in New Brunswick earn about 20 per cent less than their counterparts in Nova Scotia where there is a negotiated agreement.

Blanchard warns you could see a shortage of drugs together with more visits to the E-R and after hours clinics of people suffering adverse drug reactions.

He charges the provincial government doesn't appear to fully appreciate the role pharmacists play in the healthcare system.