Winnipeg, MB – March 12, 2018 – Pharmacists in Manitoba are doing their part to improve the public finances while preserving services to Manitoba families, and the provincial budget tabled today proves it. The budget documents reveal that over the past year alone nearly $3 million of savings were achieved for the Provincial Drug Plan - $282,800 more than projected in the last budget. These savings are being obtained at a time when pharmacy practice in Manitoba is facing significant challenges to its business.

“The Government of Manitoba has been very consistent in its expectations that ‘all hands are on deck’ when it comes to tackling the public finances. I’m pleased to say our members have done their part, with nearly $3 million in savings delivered to the Provincial Drug Plan alone,” said Barret Procyshyn, President of the Board of Pharmacists Manitoba. “Our members are making a contribution while continuing to provide Manitoba patients with a high level of service.  This shows we can adjust, that we can support positive changes and play an important role in providing care to Manitoba families.  It also shows there are opportunities to reinvest in pharmacy in Manitoba. If the Manitoba Government would consult with us further, I know we could work together to build on this opportunity.”

The 2017-18 budget introduced a cap on pharmacists’ professional fees in Manitoba, which went into effect last summer.  Further changes have been introduced, including a recent agreement by the

Pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance, that will result in an average of $95,000 in losses to the average Manitoba pharmacy. This is occurring in a provincial policy environment where pharmacists see some of the lowest rates of remuneration and limited funding in Canada.

“Manitoba’s public finances continue to face significant challenges, and we understand the need to address these issues,” added Procyshyn. “Our members want to do their part. There are investment opportunities that could yield even more savings over the long term and help the government meet this challenge. Support for smoking cessation and expanding prescribing authority are just two examples. There are a number of opportunities to both save money and to provide services while improving patient outcomes and the health of Manitoba families. We hope this is a conversation we can have with the Manitoba Government.”