Alberta pharmacists to renew prescriptions

Albertans willbe able to get their prescriptions renewed at their local pharmacy starting July 1.

Health Minister Fred Horne calls themove a win-win situation as patients will no longer have to see a doctor to renew their medication.

"(This initiative)will provide Albertans with more access, more options and more convenience," he said.

"This initiative also supports physicians by freeing up time to see more patients, especially those with complex health needs."

All pharmacists across the province willbe paid to provide the new service.

Also on July 1, the government will reduce the price it pays for generic drugsmeaning Albertans will pay less for theirprescription and savingthe province about $85 million in 2012 to 2013.

About $15.9 million of that money willhelp pharmacies inremote communities over the next three years expand their services.

"Albertas pharmacists are uniquely placed in the system, particularly in rural areas, to help address the many challenges associated with drug therapy," said Dr. James Kehrer, dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Alberta.