Winnipeg, July 18, 2017 – Pharmacists Manitoba responded today to the announcement by the Department of Health, Seniors and Active Living of a new policy capping fees and cutting the amount of support provided to compliance packaging of medications and preparation of compound medications for patients.

“We understand the provincial government must take steps to restore the overall fiscal position of Manitoba’s public finances, and a policy such as a cap on the fees announced today can contribute toward that objective, particularly as similar-sounding policies are in place in other jurisdictions,” said Barret Procyshyn, President of the Board of Directors for Pharmacists Manitoba. “But we are concerned that this was implemented without any consultation at all with Pharmacists Manitoba.  This policy will affect the dispensing of medications for thousands and thousands of Manitobans and can potentially impact hundreds of independent businesses around Manitoba.  We would appreciate the opportunity to meet and consult meaningfully with Minister Goertzen and his team on these sorts of changes before they are announced.”

Procyshyn noted the overall policy will have to be evaluated by pharmacists before any firm conclusions on the impact on Manitoba pharmacy patients can be known.  He did point out, however, that the reduction of support for compliance packaging and cutting of supports for medication preparation could harm patient safety and medication availability.

“Compliance packaging and compounding are very important for a number of patients, such as seniors and patients with complex or chronic conditions, high-risk conditions such as addictions or mental health issues, and who require a number of medications daily or a complex medication regimen as part of their treatment,” said Procyshyn. “This is about patient safety, and about availability of specialized medication such as cancer medications and biologics, particularly in rural areas for rural patients.  By cutting support for these procedures, the government may either reduce the availability of the service, or see the costs passed directly to patients, or both.  This would be why we would welcome a meaningful consultation on changes to these policies.  Manitoba pharmacists want to work with government and be part of a solution, but this can’t happen without any consultation at all – otherwise patients will suffer in the end.”