For Immediate Release
March 15, 2010
SPRINGWATER NEWS APRIL 15, 2010
I am deeply concerned with the McGuinty government’s announcement to eliminate $750 million in payments from drug companies to pharmacies. Pharmacies across Ontario will suffer as a result of this cut.
Some pharmacies have indicated that they will have to reduce staffing, wages and reduce hours of operation. They may also have to increase dispensing fees. They may also have to charge for some of the services that have been provided free of charge (delivery, faxing or phoning doctors for renewals or special forms, free advice on over the counter medicines or disease). Some pharmacies may also have to close.
The McGuinty Liberals have a spending problem. Government spending has increased by almost 70% since the Liberals took office and the scandals continue. However, instead of getting to the root of their spending problem, the Liberals have come forward with an idea that will hurt pharmacies across the province, especially those in rural Ontario. Pharmacies are upset and angry with these changes as it not only negatively impacts them but ultimately the level of patient care that they have been able to provide to customers. They also claim that some of the changes will result in net revenue loss.
With wages, rent and utilities, it costs an Ontario pharmacy about $14 to fill a prescription. The government only pays a $7 fee to dispense a medication for an Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) patient. This creates a funding gap of $7 a prescription. If a pharmacy dispenses about 50 000 ODB prescriptions per year, that is a $350 000 funding gap. As one pharmacist said to me, “DO THE MATH!! $350 000 taken out of a pharmacists coffers and only $50 000 returned!” This gap, up until the recent cut, has been filled by rebates from generic drug manufacturers. The government has only proposed a $1 fee increase to compensate (there should be a $7 fee increase).
Clearly the McGuinty Liberals are trying to save money on the backs of pharmacists. The Health Minister, the Honourable Deb Matthews, claims that pharmacies will have to ‘adjust’ to life without the professional allowances. I do not believe the solution is this simple.
I would like to take this opportunity to invite everyone to join me for my Bi-Annual Pickerel Dinner on Saturday April 24, 2010, at the Brian Orser Hall in the Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre. This fish fry is a fundraiser in support of the Penetanguishene Sports Hall of Fame. The meal will be put on by Ken Cowan of Captain Ken’s Diner in conjunction with PSHOF committee member Larry Lalonde of ELM Catering and the committee. The Hall of Fame will open for viewing at 5 p.m. Cocktails at 6 p.m. and staggered dinner servings will begin at 7 p.m. The evening will also feature a Silent Auction and unveiling of new PSHOF Promotional Video “Small Places-Big Dreams.” Tickets are 20 dollars each and can be purchased at the Penetanguishene Municipal Office 705-549-7453, the Arena 705-549-6957, or at my constituency offices in Midland 705-526-8671, or Orillia 705-326-3246 or 1-800-304-7341. Hope to see you there!
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For more information:
Garfield Dunlop, MPP
705-327-4500 cell
