Many years ago there was a saying that “elections are not won or lost in 30 days” — referencing the general length of a provincial election.
But election campaigns are very fluid these days, and that old adage has long gone out the window.
In recent months, there has been a lot of election activity: the provincial election in B.C. and other provinces, the U.S. presidential election and, of course the BC Pharmacy Association Board election on Nov. 1.
What all these disparate elections have in common are their engaged electorates. The COVID years have turned so many things upside down and have caused people to ask more of their elected officials. That certainly is the case with health care.
Patients and their families want timely access to necessary care, but that is proving to be increasingly challenging. The costs of delivering health care have never been higher and the health human resource challenges are far from solved.
So, for our new provincial government, they will need to continue to look for creative solutions that are predicated on ensuring every health care practitioner is practicing to the fullest extent of their training and expertise.
For community pharmacists, the challenging times continue to present opportunities. Since 2020, B.C. pharmacists have met the challenges of the pandemic, set records in terms of administering vaccinations for flu and COVID, and in implementing Minor Ailments and Contraception prescribing (MACs). In addition, the approval for pharmacists to order and interpret laboratory tests means they will be able to do more prescription adaptations and renewals.
Pharmacists now have a clear place in the delivery of primary care. They are filling the gap and meeting patient needs in ways that would not have been possible five years ago.
The Association and Board of Directors have worked hard to build productive relationships with elected and ministry officials. I am confident this will continue to serve the profession well as we look for ways to support patients in communities across the province.
There is real work to be done related to getting reasonable compensation for the services pharmacists provide. Members should know this is the number one priority for the Association Board and staff team. The discussions that were stalled by the election will be picked up as the new government starts its work.
Congratulations to our new Board members, and thank you to all who were willing to put their names forward to support their profession.
Geraldine Vance
Chief Executive Officer
BC Pharmacy Association