Archived News Releases: Budget Support for Electronic Health Records and Aboriginal Health Important Contribution

(Ottawa, January 28, 2009) - The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) welcomes the investments outlined in the federal budget for meeting the commitment to provide Canadians with electronic health records and to invest in the health of aboriginal people.

The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) welcomes the investments outlined in the federal budget for meeting the commitment to provide Canadians with electronic health records and to invest in the health of aboriginal people.

"Investments made by Canada Health Infoway have been critical to the development of the e health system in Canada and the $500 million additional investment announced in the budget should move the establishment of electronic health records in every day health care practice closer to a reality" said Jeff Poston, Executive Director, CPhA. Such a development would make an important contribution to advancing collaboration across the whole continuum of care, improving health outcomes for Canadians and providing jobs in the information technology sector linked to health.

Every day, many pharmacists see the challenges faced by the Aboriginal population in managing chronic disease and maintaining good health. The investment of $305 million in the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program and primary care services together with the $135 million investment in aboriginal health care infrastructure should improve access and delivery of care to this population. "CPhA looks forward to working with NIHB and others to ensure that the investments pay real dividends" said Dwight Ball, a community pharmacist in Newfoundland and President-Elect of CPhA.

Further clarity is needed on the extent to which the investment in building infrastructure will help to renovate existing and build new health care facilities. Also, it will be important to define how money for education and training will help develop much needed human resources to meet the health care needs of Canadians.

The Canadian Pharmacists Association is the national organization of pharmacists, committed to providing leadership for the profession and improving the health of Canadians.

For more information, please contact Jeff Poston, Executive Director, 613-523-7877 ext. 256 or 613-293-7398 (cell).