A new four-year agreement between the Provincial Government and the Pharmacists� Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (PANL) will provide both parties with a simplified payment structure with fair and reasonable reimbursement and clear policies and procedures. As well, it ensures the continued assistance of pharmacists in ensuring optimal use of pharmaceuticals. The Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services joined Ted Dawe, President of PANL, to officially sign the new agreement recently.

"Government is committed to working with PANL to ensure effective service delivery for beneficiaries of the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program," said Minister Wiseman. "This agreement recognizes the important role of pharmacists in our health care system and grants pharmacists an increase in professional fees which are more consistent with that paid by other public programs across the country."

"PANL is very pleased to finally have in place a formal agreement with the Provincial Government for the provision of pharmaceutical services through community based pharmacies and would like to thank Minister Wiseman for his efforts to finalize this agreement," said Mr. Dawe. "PANL looks forward to working in a more cooperative manner with government, and is hopeful that the new agreement will improve future relations with pharmacists in all regions of the province."

For each prescription that is dispensed there are three components to the overall cost. This includes the defined cost of the drug, a professional fee, and, up to a 10 per cent surcharge where the drug cost exceeds $30. As a result of the agreement, pharmacies will receive an increase in the professional fee paid for services provided to some beneficiaries of the NLPDP, bringing their fee more in line with that paid by public programs in other provinces.

Currently pharmacists receive a professional fee (where applicable, based on the program component) of $6.50 for regular drugs, $4.10 for oral contraceptives, and a 33 1/3 per cent mark up for diabetes supplies and insulin. Under the new agreement, effective December 2007, pharmacists will receive a professional fee (where applicable) of $6.96 for regular drugs, oral contraceptives, and diabetes supplies and insulin. Effective January 2008 to March 2011, the professional fee will increase to $7.15.

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Photo #1: Minister Wiseman signs new agreement with Pharmacists' Association of
Newfoundland and Labrador (PANL)
 

2007 07 10                                                    3:10 p.m.