This release was issued under a previous government.
Alberta’s 1,049 licensed pharmacies are now able to offer a broader scope of services, increasing Albertans access to health care. This is supported by a new four-year agreement signed by the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association, Alberta Blue Cross and the Alberta government to support the expanding role of pharmacists in communities across Alberta.
“By ensuring pharmacies are fully supported in their expanded role, we are fulfilling our commitment to provide Albertans with greater access to health care services in their communities. This new partnership agreement will no doubt result in improved patient care throughout our province as pharmacists take on a greater role in our health care system.”
This agreement also includes four years of predictable funding for pharmacists, transparency of prescription pricing, changes to dispensing fees and an updated pharmacy services framework that compensates pharmacists for the increased primary health care services they provide to Albertans.
This agreement, which comes into effect on April 1, also includes a new memorandum of understanding between Alberta Health and the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association to ensure better coordination between pharmacies and government when public programs are introduced, such as the annual flu shot program which saw almost one-third of all immunizations delivered in community pharmacies this flu season.
“Pharmacists play an increasingly critical role in Alberta’s health care system and we are happy to see that fact recognized by the Alberta government through this new agreement. It will mean pharmacists can continue to provide high quality care to their patients, and ensure Albertans have more access to primary care by increasing the services pharmacists offer.”
Under the Building Alberta Plan, our government is investing in families and communities, living within our means, and opening new markets for Alberta's resources to ensure we're able to fund the services Albertans told us matter most to them. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.