Pharmacists encouraged by call for greater participation
Vancouver, BC (May 21, 2008) – The British Columbia Pharmacy Association is pleased the provincial government’s Pharmaceutical Task Force has clearly recognized the role of pharmacists as essential health-care providers and called for a negotiated, reasonable and fair compensation.”
“We have been heard,” said Marnie Mitchell, CEO of the BC Pharmacy Association. “We are pleased Minister Abbott has accepted all recommendations by the Task Force. Pharmacists are in a unique position as frontline health-care providers to increase their provision of optimal patient care and there is no question we will be pursuing the recommendations the Task Force has put forward with the government.”
The BCPhA is committed to partnering with the Pharmaceutical Services Division to support patient care and community pharmacies, while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the PharmaCare system. The call for improved engagement and cooperation for all stakeholders is strongly supported by the BCPhA.
“It is our No. 1 priority to partner with PSD to negotiate, as recommended by the Task Force, for new provisions for dispensing and the patient-centred professional services,” said Mitchell. “The BCPhA hopes this is a great sign of a thoughtful diligent, open discussion to come. The Pharmaceutical Task Force has supported our guiding principle—we want pharmacists to be able to provide the highest level of individual care possible.”