Pharmacists' group shares election concerns

The Pharmacists'Association of Newfoundland and Labrador hasreleased a list of 10 questions it wouldlike to see answered by party leaders during Newfoundland and Labrador's election campaign.

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Theywantto see these questionsanswered by party leaders by no later than Nov.25 just fivedays before the electorategoes to the polls.

At the forefront of many of these questions is a wish to expand the range of services pharmacists are able to offer in the province.

The organizationis asking what each party will do to make flu shots and prescriptions more affordable.

In September, pharmacists across the province were granted the ability to prescribe and treat minor ailments.

"It was about moving the scope of practice for pharmacists to fit their expertise, knowledge and education," said Glenda Power, executive director of the PANL.

Alleviating congestion

But Powerbelieves that the province can still go further in expanding the scope of what pharmacists are allowed to do, and by doing so, help alleviate congestion problems at clinics and emergency rooms across the province.

"This province is facing a health care system that is really unsustainable, and it's a problem we're seeing around the country."

"What we want is for pharmacists to be part of the solution," says Power

The PANL is also advocating for the province to expand the pharmacy flu-shot program to ensure that people receiving the influenza vaccination from a pharmacist don't have to pay out of pocket.

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They'd also like to see the province take steps to include pharmacists in discussions on how to better citizens health in the province.

"We know that there are lots of people who are falling through the cracks who can't afford medically necessary medication," Power said.

"Our pharmacists are telling us that some of their patients are coming in and saying, 'Oh, I'll get this one now but I'm going to wait on that one because I can't afford it,' " she said.

"That shouldn't be happening in a developed country like Canada."

The PANL expects to get answers to these questions by Nov.25.