Filling Some Prescriptions at the Pharmacy Doesn’t Solve BC’s Health Problems: Pharmacist

The changes are part of a five-year plan to deal with BC’s overburdened health care system, which suffers from a shortage of doctors, nurses and paramedics.

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Local pharmacies welcome the news that they will soon be able to fill some prescriptions for customers who don’t have a family doctor.

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But they agree with doctors who have said the change is not a long-term solution to the doctor shortage.

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Overall, though, it’s really necessary right now, said Moez Karim, pharmacy manager at The Pharmacy in Langley.

“Many patients, especially in this area, are elderly or have great difficulty accessing doctors and their family doctors. Many times, they see them on the phone. I think they are falling through the cracks. This is a way to reduce your stress.”

Health Minister Adrian Dix announced last week that beginning October 14, BC pharmacists will be able to renew prescriptions for a broader range of medications so people in BC can access medications “in a more affordable way.” timely and guarantee the continuity of their treatment. ”

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The range will not include cancer chemotherapy drugs, the ministry said.

He also said the changes will help patients dealing with mental and substance use disorders get the critical medication they need when they need it.

The changes are part of a five-year plan to deal with BC’s overburdened health care system, which suffers from a shortage of doctors, nurses and paramedics.

From his vantage point at the local pharmacy, Karim said he can see that customers are very frustrated right now.

“You can’t find doctors who accept patients. And doctors retire. It is a real problem for them. So this is a move. I think it’s a temporary solution.”

Dr. Ramneek Dosanjh, president of Doctors of BC, told a news conference in August that expanding the powers available to pharmacists is not the best way to support family doctors.

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“We have a crumbling foundation in our primary care system. And that’s what we have to support.”

Karim said some doctors may see the change as a threat, but for patients, there are many positives to pharmacists being able to offer more primary care.

“Most of the time, doctors will say they can give you a short 15-minute interview over the phone. Sometimes the patient doesn’t even need to come in and (doctors) just say, ‘Are you feeling okay? IT’S OKAY. We will renew your recipes.”

Karim said pharmacists can do some screenings, like blood pressure checks, and can refer patients to doctors when there are more serious concerns.

Ahmed Naser, a retired pharmacist who works weekends at Bay Pharmacy in Horseshoe Bay, said if more doctors were available, it would be different.

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With acute shortages, however, it makes sense for pharmacists to help make it easier for patients to get prescriptions for birth control or some types of antibiotics, he said.

The ministry said it will also immediately start working with pharmacists in BC to find a way for them to prescribe contraceptives and minor ailments. It would mean BC would join nine other provinces where pharmacists can prescribe medications for acne, cold sores, indigestion and urinary tract infections.

With a file from Katie DeRosa

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