Letter to the Editor                                                                                

Dear Editor -

Re: "Sound the alert, don't be alarmist" (editorial, Oct. 8).

While it is true many independent pharmacists have continued to survive through hard times -- particularly since the introduction of the Transparent Drug System for Patients Act in 2006 -- more recent government changes have made it even harder for us to stay in business.

In August, the government announced pharmacists will no longer be reimbursed for providing patients with weekly pill "blister packs" -- an essential tool many Ontario seniors rely on to help manage their multiple medications.

Because we know how valuable this service is, many of us are now providing these without compensation.

And more worrisome, the government is now preparing to roll out direct bulk-buying deals with manufacturers for some of the most prescribed drugs for Ontario's three million Ontario Drug Benefit patients -- mostly seniors, and those on social assistance).

By taking over this role, the government is moving a core source of pharmacy funding into its own coffers.

These are complex changes, but they have a direct impact on our bottom-line at a time when we are already struggling to stay afloat.

About 20 per cent more pharmacies went out of business in 2007 than in 2006, and we know that number is going to continue to rise if something doesn't change soon.

While we don't want to be alarmist, as a pharmacist, I am genuinely concerned about my ability to continue to provide the kind of services my patients rely on.

That's why we are appealing to our patients and all Ontarians to let the government know that they value the health services their independent pharmacist provides, and don't want to see them go out of business.

-- Ben Shenouda, president, Independent Pharmacists of Ontario