Pharmacy dispensing fees to increase

Health and Community Services Minister Julie Bettney said government is providing $2.1 million in Budget 2001-2002 to increase fees paid to pharmacies to fill prescriptions for income support recipients. The funding will see the dispensing fees increase from $5.00 to $6.50 in the 2001-2002 fiscal year.

The $2.1 million investment will restore the dispensing fee to the level prior to the 1996 budget.

"The increase should provide pharmacies with appropriate compensation for providing services under the drug programs for income support recipients," said Minister Bettney. "This increase is particularly important to the viability of the independent pharmacies, many of which operate in rural communities throughout this province."

Media contact: Carmel Parsons, Communications, (709) 729-1377.

2001 03 22                 4:15 p.m.