Archived News Releases: Pharmacists: Health Council Gives Pharmaceutical Management Poor Marks

(Ottawa, February 2, 2007) -

The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) concurs with the conclusions in the Health Council of Canada's Annual Report 2007 that little progress has been made on implementing important aspects of a National Pharmaceuticals Strategy (NPS). The Report concludes that while options have been developed, actions to implement catastrophic drug coverage have not occurred. Nor have collaborative efforts taken place to encourage or support effective prescribing, which was contained in the 2004 NPS framework, but has seen minimal activity.

According to CPhA Executive Director, Dr. Jeff Poston, 'Canada needs a broad, active strategy aimed at promoting better prescribing and utilization of drugs. It is disappointing that, three years later, so little has been accomplished in this area. We also would like to see future reports on pharmaceuticals management support models in which community pharmacists help patients get the best from their prescribed medications.'

Poston continued, 'We certainly concur with the HCC recommendation that the provinces should move faster on e-health initiatives. While the number of patient safety initiatives across Canada has increased, we can't assess their overall impact since data isn't evaluated in a coordinated way. Electronic health records can play an important role in improving patient safety and quality of care, and must be a priority for additional government funding.'

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Louise Crandall, Manager, Public Affairs, at (613) 523-7877 #267 or lcrandall@pharmacists.ca. The Canadian Pharmacists Association is the national organization of pharmacists, committed to providing leadership for the profession and improving the health of Canadians.