CPhA statement on pharmacare advisory council

June 20, 2018

Pharmacists across the country care deeply about improving pharmacare for the patients that we serve every day in every community, from every walk of life. Unfortunately, we know that there are still too many Canadians who do not have access to the medications that they need when they need them.

As medication experts who help patients navigate their drug plans, there is no other health profession who sees the issues so acutely and who understands the challenges that patients face. This is why we are disappointed that there is no pharmacist present on the Council, who could have provided insight into some of the practical realities of the system.

That being said, as we undertake this important national discussion in the coming weeks, we must remember that access, affordability and appropriateness are all essential components of any pharmacare model and that our first priority must be on improving patient-centred care.
 
We welcome today’s announcement of the creation of the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare and we look forward to engaging with the Council as they develop their recommendations.