2012-02-14 00:05:10 -
EDMONTON, ALBERTA -- (Marketwire) -- 02/13/12 -- Pharmacists supporting the "I Care About My Pharmacist" campaign are deeply concerned about today's announcement from the Minister of Health and Wellness. The changes announced will have a detrimental impact on the services that pharmacists provide Albertans. As the most accessible health care professional in the community, the one that Albertans have stated that they trust the most and are most satisfied with, pharmacists know what these cuts can do to their patients.
Pharmacist Jody Shkrobot, a member of the Pharmacy Transition Team that was charged by the government to define a transition structure and plan for the new compensation model for pharmacy, is confused about how he and his pharmacist colleagues will function under this new arrangement. "I was optimistic that the profession's continuing dialogue with Alberta Health and Wellness would find the right approach to guarantee Albertans would be able to continue to receive the care from their pharmacists tomorrow in the same manner that they do today. But the profession received a slap in the face today. What was supposed to be a collaborative process with pharmacists and the Government turns out to be a sham. We are now forced into a situation of uncertainty about how we provide care to our patients."
In spite of ongoing dialogue from pharmacists warning Government of the serious impact that these changes will have on patient care and the communities that pharmacies serve, the Government's announcement focuses on cost savings NOT on providing for the health needs of Albertans. Communities that have limited access to pharmacy services and are serviced by only one pharmacy are going to experience the greatest impact.
Albertans are asked to contact the Minister of Health and Wellness directly or their local MLA. Individuals can speak with their local pharmacist or visit www.icareaboutmypharmacist.org to learn more about these issues.
"Albertans care about health care and pharmacists care about Albertans. We should have the best health care system in the world. This Government does not share our views," Shkrobot suggests. "It is time for Albertans to let the Government know how much they do care."
Contacts:
I Care About My Pharmacist
Jody Shkrobot
Spokesperson
1-888-398-4363
info@icareaboutmypharmacist.org :
www.icareaboutmypharmacist.org
