CPhA stresses need for improved drug access and health care innovation as Canada's Premiers meet

OTTAWA, July 17, 2016 /CNW/ - The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) will be in Whitehorse, Yukon, this week during the annual summer meeting of Canada's Premiers to discuss important health care issues that have an impact on the lives of all Canadians.

"With Health Accord negotiations approaching, CPhA believes that health care belongs at the top of the Premiers' agenda this week in Whitehorse," said Alistair Bursey, Chair, Canadian Pharmacists Association. "Improved drug access and health care innovation are priority issues we will be raising in connection with the meetings."

While provinces and territories have done considerable work through the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance to address the cost of medications, CPhA believes that a pan-Canadian approach that prioritizes optimal drug adherence and management for patients – that goes beyond cost containment – will yield opportunities for even greater cost savings in other areas of the health care system.

"We can achieve better value for health care dollars not only by addressing gaps in patient coverage, but also by providing equitable access to services that support safe and effective drug therapy for patients," said Perry Eisenschmid, CEO, Canadian Pharmacists Association. "Pharmacy services such as medication review and management ensure appropriate use and enhanced adherence – two major drivers of optimal health outcomes which can help provinces manage the cost of health care."

In addition to pan-Canadian solutions to improve drug access, CPhA advocates for investment in health care innovation to improve the safety and effectiveness of our health care system, particularly the need for a common national standard for e-prescribing. 

When properly implemented, e-prescribing has the potential to not only enhance safety and convenience for patients, it can also assist governments in achieving an overall more sustainable health care system through increased efficiencies and effectiveness in prescribing, better monitoring to reduce drug misuse and facilitate the collection of prescribing data in real-time. Despite clear evidence to support e-prescribing, Canada lags far behind in its use with limited harmonization between provincial systems across Canada.

Continued collaboration and leadership between Canada's Premiers to address the health needs of Canadians is essential to ensure a sustainable and efficient health care system across the country. CPhA is committed to helping governments leverage the skills and expertise of Canada's 40,000 pharmacists to ensure Canadians have timely access to safe and effective health care in every community.

About the Canadian Pharmacists Association

The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) is the uniting national voice of pharmacy and the pharmacist profession in Canada. As pharmacists undertake an enhanced role in the delivery of health care services, CPhA ensures that the profession is recognized as a national leader in health care, influencing the policies, programs, budgets and initiatives affecting the profession and the health of Canadians. More information is available at www.pharmacists.ca.

SOURCE Canadian Pharmacists Association

Image with caption: "Logo: Canadian Pharmacists Association (CNW Group/Canadian Pharmacists Association)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160717_C8479_PHOTO_EN_736093.jpg

For further information: Mark McCondach, Director of Communications, Canadian Pharmacists Association, [email protected], [phone] Ext. 285; To arrange interviews or to seek comment with CPhA representatives in Whitehorse, please contact: Joelle Walker, Director, Government Relations, [email protected], C: [phone]