PANS News - Media
The August edition of The Pharmacist, the official newsletter of the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia, is now available.
It is a fully interactive newsletter. The first page serves as a Table of Contents. Just click on "more" under an article summary or click on one of the items under "Also in this Issue" to read the full story.
In this issue:
The province is implementing a drug information system to better protect the health of Nova Scotians. Pharmacists, doctors and other prescribers will be able to share information about the medications patients are taking. Click here to read more.
Earlier today, the Government of Nova Scotia proclaimed the new Fair Drug Prices Act and passed the associated regulations that will reduce the price of generic drugs to 45% of the associated brand drug effective tomorrow, July 1st. The same legislation will further reduce prices to 40% of brand on January 1st, 2012 and to 35% of brand on July 1st, 2012.
Cabinet also formally approved our new pharmacy tariff agreement. The new agreement will be effective from July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2014. The key terms of the agreement are as follows:
"After resuming negotiations earlier this week, a new tentative pharmacy tariff agreement has been reached between the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia (PANS) and the Department of Health and Wellness. Full details of the agreement will be shared with PANS members after a final agreement is confirmed by both sides.
To read the full press release, please click here.
"The province has reached a tentative agreement with pharmacies that paves the way for lower drug prices and will make life better for Nova Scotians enrolled in Pharmacare. "
To read the full press release, please click here.
By THE CANADIAN PRESS
Thu, Jun 16 - 6:29 PM
Health Minister Maureen MacDonald says she's aware some pharmacists are telling customers in Nova Scotia they won't be able to fill prescriptions with a Pharmacare card as of July 1, but she says her department is trying to resolve a dispute over drug pricing before that happens.
Drugstores, Health Department at odds over dispensing fees
By JOHN McPHEE Health Reporter
Fri, Jun 17 - 7:19 AM
Some drugstores are telling Pharmacare clients — mostly seniors, those
on welfare and the disabled — they will have to pay cash up front for
prescriptions if a deal isn’t reached with the province on dispensing
fees.
Jun 16 2011
Pharmacy agreement talks have stalled with deadline only two weeks away
SYDNEY, NS – Progressive Conservative leader Jamie Baillie says in two weeks, people going to pharmacies to fill their prescriptions may find their government Pharmacare cards not accepted and full cash payment required. Some pharmacies have begun to inform their customers that effective July 1st, Pharmacare cards may not be accepted at the prescription counter.