The 30-day washout period for Alberta pharmacists announced by Health Minister Fred Horne is a Band-Aid solution that doesn’t address the real concerns over the long-term viability of small pharmacies, the Wildrose Official Opposition retorted.
Health critic Heather Forsyth said while the washout period will provide some short-term relief for pharmacists, it still doesn’t provide long-term stability for pharmacists to continue to serve their patients.
“The government needs to get back to the table and reach an agreement with pharmacists that puts patients first,” Forsyth said. “While this announcement is a necessary step, there’s still a long way to go before the future of pharmacy care in Alberta is put on solid footing.”
The washout period will allow extra time to clean out that inventory without taking a big loss. Pharmacists can distribute those drugs to patients until May 31 and get reimbursed by the province at the higher rate, Horne said.
Wildrose seniors critic Kerry Towle said the washout period should be longer.
“Thirty days isn’t enough for pharmacists to adjust to the new prices,” Towle said. “Once again, this government is rushing headlong into making major decisions that impact Albertans without properly consulting beforehand.”