Ontario government finalizes plans for drug system changes

On June 7, 2010, the Ontario government finalized plans to reduce generic drug prices and end professional allowances, while providing some partial compensation to pharmacists for professional services and modest increases in dispensing fees. 

The changes will result in a direct $1 billion cut to front-line healthcare in the province in 2011-12. 

Pharmacists must now make some difficult choices as to what services and hours of access they will be able to provide. 

Regrettably, those who are most likely to be affected are those who need these services the most: seniors, the chronically ill, and those without a family doctor. 

Ontario’s community pharmacies coalition offered a number of workable solutions to the government’s policy objectives and negotiated in good faith for nine months. We showed the government how hundreds of millions of dollars could be saved through lower generic drug prices, the elimination of professional allowances, the implementation of better drug utilization management practices, all while protecting front-line healthcare services pharmacists provide with fair and transparent funding. 

Our proposals were not accepted. 

We continue to advocate for a responsible reinvestment in direct funding of front-line healthcare and a transition implementation process that will help maintain front-line community healthcare. 

Ontario needs its community pharmacists.