GUELPH MERCURY  (www.guelphmercury.com )
Written by Helen Stevenson - in response to this article

Dear Editor -
The Oct. 7 article "Pharmacists want remedy for problematic overhaul," on Bill 102 is incorrect when it reports that changes made through the Transparent Drug System for Patients Act has forced pharmacies in Ontario to close.
In fact, since the act was passed in June 2006, there are 137 more pharmacies in the province of Ontario for an overall total of 3,153 stores providing medication to Ontarians through the Ontario Drug Benefit program.
The Ontario government fundamentally believes in the role of pharmacists as part of an integrated team that provides an enhanced level of care for patients.
Through the MedsCheck program, we recognize the valuable role pharmacists play in patient care by compensating them for the professional services they provide to Ontarians.
Also, responding to the concerns of the pharmacy industry, we have protected pharmacists from unauthorized price increases through price enforcement and listing agreements.
Through the new act, the government has been able to create a stronger, more effective and transparent drug system for Ontarians. The new system has:
Enabled more drugs to be funded, through the $260 million in savings achieved.
Ensured that taxpayers receive better value for money spent on pharmacy reimbursement by focusing rebate dollars (professional allowances) on activities that benefit patients
Improved the pricing of drugs for the public and increased access to generic drugs
Increased transparency by involving patients and the public in the drug decision-making process Provided faster funding decisions.

Helen Stevenson, executive officer and assistant deputy minister, Ontario Public Drug Program, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care