So, what has changed?
As we mark four years since the pandemic was declared and 12 years since I started with the Association, I find myself thinking about the changes that have occurred. As the saying goes, I have some good news and some bad news.
It’s generally thought best to get the bad news out of the way first. Twelve years ago, we saw the beginning of the worst relationship the profession had faced with government, likely ever. There’s no need to go into the details of the government’s decision to cancel the agreement with the Association and the then Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (now NPAC), but it sparked some very tough times for community pharmacy and government. For the next eight years the interactions were largely frosty and, aside from the work on the Reference Drug Program and Opioid Agonist Treatment training, there was no movement on fees or scope issues. I should note that the working relationship with the team in PharmaCare has always been strong and productive.
Those years were tough for all of us at the Association and for pharmacists and pharmacy owners. B.C. seemed to be slipping behind other provinces in prescribing, stagnation of fees, and the impact the federal generic pricing agreement had on pharmacy. This took a toll. I can assure you the Association made significant efforts over and over again to break the logjam.
But 2020 and the pandemic created the opportunity for pharmacists to show what a critical role they could play in responding to a crisis. The COVID-19 crisis enabled the Association to build new and productive relationships with government. It showed what a difference pharmacists can make to reduce health-care burdens.
In the past four years, the Long-Term Care and Assisted Living pharmacy program was reviewed, and a significant fee increase was negotiated. The COVID vaccination program brought many people to pharmacy for care, created revenue for pharmacies, and showed the access power the sector has. And last June, assessing and prescribing for minor ailments and contraception was launched.
What’s key about the last four years is that we have built a network of support across many groups within government and have earned the respect of the Minister of Health and other ministers and MLAs. This is critical to moving forward.
I am aware there is unfinished business on dispensing and other fees. This continues to be a priority in our efforts. An increase is long overdue, and the Association understands why we must continue to push hard.
I also know that issues with third-party payors have been brewing for many years and came to a head with ECS’s introduction of a transaction fee associated with adjudication. I also know that for many pharmacy owners, the increase in PPN’s is very concerning. The BCPhA Board, the Association leadership team, and I understand how important these two issues are to members.
We are putting time and resources to explore the options. There isn’t an overnight solution, but I can assure you that we hear your concerns and are responding.
Geraldine Vance
Chief Executive Officer
BC Pharmacy Association