Pharmacist-Province Talks Break Down

Talks for new services to be offered by pharmacies starting September 3rd have failed. 

According to the Gazette, the talks between Quebec pharmacists and Health Department broke down Thursday.

Pharmacies were going to offer seven new services, which was reduced to three, including prescribing medication for minor conditions, prescribing medication when a diagnosis isn’t required, and modifying prescriptions.

It was suggested by Quebec Health Minister Réjean Hébert that those covered by the Quebec public drug plan would be able to receive these services for free. 

An impasse in negotiations however means that pharmacies will be charging everyone for these services.

Legal interpretation of pharmacists’ rights to conduct tests in pharmacies have suspended discussions until a written document from Hébert,  identifying the laws and regulations prohibiting pharmacists from conducting such tests,  is obtained.

Flickr Photo by: operation_janet

STORY WRITTEN BY: CATLIN SPENCER