This new mechanism should have a clearly defined and published mandate that incorporates all of the functions and operations currently relating to the existing Pharmacare program. It should provide complete and open access to program benefits for all British Columbians, as well as transparent and cost effective availability of the very best drug products and pharmacy services. This new PSC agency should be mandated to negotiate the economic terms and conditions of program participation with community pharmacy. It should actively encourage appropriate resource allocation to promote the widest array of therapeutically beneficial products, as well as the prevention of harm through proper drug utilization, education and monitoring programs. To ensure fairness, streamline the negotiation process, and guarantee broad acceptance of and compliance with a new Pharmacare program, the BC government must provide the British Columbia Pharmacy Association with the mandate and authority to negotiate on behalf of community pharmacy, and this mandate should be enshrined in legislation.
Pharmacists are drug and drug-use experts.
Regrettably, our healthcare system underutilizes this expertise. The professional expertise of community pharmacists is by far the best defense against illness and injury as well as the economic waste that is associated with the incorrect use of prescription drugs. The true value of a pharmacist lies in advising patients on how to correctly use medications and in monitoring the success of that use. A great deal of unnecessary suffering and financial waste experienced today could be avoided by simply employing more of the pharmacist's skill and knowledge. For instance, it is estimated that a third of all seniors requiring emergency room treatment have actually experienced a problem with taking the prescription drugs that are intended to help them.