This release was issued under a previous government.
“Pharmacists are an important part of Alberta’s approach to health care, and I am very happy that we were able to bring all parties together to reach this agreement. It is an important step forward in improving access to care and enabling pharmacists to provide even more services to Albertans.”
The agreement-in-principle includes four years of predictable funding, changes to dispensing fees, a strengthened relationship between Alberta Health and the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association, and updated compensation fees for the services pharmacists provide to Albertans.
The agreement maintains Alberta’s position as a top investor in pharmacy services and, if approved, will come into effect on April 1, 2014.
“I’m very pleased we’ve reached an agreement in principle that supports the care we deliver to our patients. Further it formalizes the relationship between pharmacists and Government that will enable a better approach to dealing with agreements and new programs in the future, including proactive mechanisms to work through the challenges we jointly face. The financial package provides stable funding and ongoing access to high quality pharmacist care.”
Future pharmacy services that will be available to Albertans include counseling for smoking cessation and a larger focus on medication management for diabetics.
Our government was elected to keep building Alberta, to live within its means and to fight to open new markets for Alberta’s resources. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.