Why are Pharmacists Important?
Community pharmacists in Alberta are responsible for the safe and efficient dispensing of over 37 million prescriptions each year. They review all prescriptions for appropriateness and intervene on over 640,000 prescriptions every year. In addition to this “dispensing role,” pharmacists work with patients and provide an estimated 2 million health-related consultations a year. These activities generate over $120 million dollars in savings to the Alberta health system every year!
The Government of Alberta cuts jeopardizes the role that Alberta pharmacists play in the health and well being of their patients. Cuts from the government mean cuts at the pharmacy—in jobs and in services.
Pharmacists perform many additional services that they do not currently charge for. With the proposed changes, many of these services will disappear such as:
- Complex disease state management
- Ongoing patient counseling and monitoring
- Home visits
- Home delivery of prescriptions
- Assessment and consultation on minor or self-limiting conditions at may involve the use of a non-prescription medication
- Training patients on the use of medical devices such as blood glucose or blood pressure monitors
Ways to Support
The Minister of Health and Wellness – the Hon. Fred Horne - (780) 427-3665 or The Executive Director – Pharmaceutical Funding and Guidance – Steve Long - (780) 427-8019 (If this call is long distance, dial 310-0000, then the area code and phone number).
E-MAIL the Minister of Health and Wellness – the Hon. Fred Horne – health.minister@gov.ab.ca or The Executive Director – Pharmaceutical Funding and Guidance – Steve Long - steve.long@gov.ab.ca
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