Canadian Pharmacists Association launches Pharmacare 2.0

The Canadian Pharmacists Association today launched a multi-phased consultation to develop a national consensus for a pan-Canadian pharmacare framework.

The consultation, Pharmacare 2.0, is a four-stage policy development process created to build a Canadian consensus and restart the pharmacare conversation.

"Pharmacists are on the front lines when it comes to access to affordable medication," CPhA Chair Carlo Berardi said. "We understand the issue of pharmacare both in theory and in practice. With Pharmacare 2.0, Canada's 39,000 pharmacists will use their unique knowledge to ensure that all Canadians have access to pharmacy services and appropriate drug therapies."

CPhA will commence consultation with key stakeholders immediately to develop principles, policies and priorities for national pharmacare.

CPhA’s findings will update its advocacy efforts throughout the federal election campaign. The findings will also aid the creation of a Health Care Consensus Working Group with partners in the broader health care community, which will release its model for national pharmacare in 2016 with the publication of the Pharmacare 2.0 White Paper.

"It's time to change the pharmacare narrative. Governments' current approach to improving affordability and access to drugs through a singular preoccupation on reducing drug prices does not address the key concerns of Canadians — improving health outcomes and the long- term sustainability of public drug plans," Canadian Pharmacists Association CEO Perry Eisenschmid said. "The focus of CPhA's pharmacare initiative is building a sustainable health care system by providing optimal patient-centered care at an affordable price."