November 7, 2006

TORONTO – For the first time, pharmacists in Ontario will be involved in the development of policy related to pharmaceuticals through the creation of a Pharmacy Council, Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman announced today.

“Pharmacists provide a valuable service to their clients and are an important part of the health care system,” said Smitherman. “They deal directly with patients and know their needs, so it’s logical that pharmacists should have a strong voice in the development of pharmaceutical policy.”

In addition to providing expert advice to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care and ministry officials on pharmaceutical policy, the Ontario Pharmacy Council will review the delivery of pharmaceutical services in Ontario, advise on education and training programs and build a strong working relationship between the government and the pharmacy profession.  One example of the council’s work would involve advice on professional fees for pharmacy services. 

The council expects to have its first meeting in November, 2006.

“Pharmacists play a critical role in the delivery of patient care,” said Marc Kealey, CEO of the Ontario Pharmacists’ Association and Co-chair of the Pharmacy Council. “The Pharmacy Council provides pharmacists with the ability to enhance the role of our profession, resulting in even better service for patients.”

The creation of a Pharmacy Council is a key provision of Transparent Drug System for Patients Act which was passed in the Ontario legislature in June, 2006.  The Act enhances patient access to drugs and strengthens the transparency, accountability and effectiveness of Ontario’s drug system.

Other initiatives by the McGuinty government benefiting the health of Ontarians include:

• Funding a post-market study on drug treatments for Fabry Disease that provides treatment to eligible patients
• Establishing an external task force to provide advice to the government on how to improve methadone treatment in the province
• Investing $152.1 million to fund 19 cancer-fighting drugs, including Velcade and Herceptin.

Today’s initiative is part of the McGuinty government’s plan for innovation in public health care, building a system that delivers on three priorities - keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and providing better access to doctors and nurses.

For further information :

Members of the general public :
(416) 327-4327, or (800) 268-1154

BACKGROUNDERS

The Ontario Pharmacy Council

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