The Speech from the Throne unveiled today includes commitments to renew the healthcare system by better using resources like pharmacists, says the New Brunswick Pharmacists’ Association (NBPA).
“I was heartened to see the hard work of pharmacists on the frontlines during the ongoing pandemic recognized in today’s Speech from the Throne,” Christine Boudreau, President of the NBPA. “COVID has certainly shown that patients and other healthcare providers can count on pharmacists to be there when they need them. Pharmacists and their teams are helping to fill gaps in the health care system during the pandemic and showing the important role they can play in improving access to primary care.”
Pharmacists are encouraged to see the government state that one of the significant challenges facing our healthcare system is “non-optimal use of resources.” They are also reassured by the commitment to “leverage all resources within the health-care network in new ways, from doctors to pharmacists, and nursing professionals across the province.”
“Pharmacists will be an important part of reshaping our health care system, and we look forward to the fulfillment of the government’s budget commitment to fund pharmacists to assess and treat uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) as well as to renew certain prescriptions,” says Boudreau. “We know the fulfilment of the government’s promise to establish a Pharmacy Affairs Working Group will be a vital first step to improve access to health care for patients and to support sustainable community pharmacy.”
The New Brunswick Pharmacists’ Association is the voice of pharmacists in the province and is committed to providing leadership for the profession and improving the health of New Brunswickers.