Canada: Pill pack limitation criticized

An Ontario health ministry decision to severely limit pharmacistsfrom dispensing so-called pill packs will push independent seniors intolong-term care facilities, according to critics.

EffectiveFriday, the Ontario government will pay for only two pill packs permonth under its drug plan. The packs, which include medication for aday or week, allow pharmacists to divide dosages for patients who takeseveral prescriptions.

“Cutting payments to pharmacists will putpeople in grave danger,” says Ron Marzel, lawyer for a coalition(dispensingwithcare.ca) that has fought restricting the $3billion-a-year Ontario Drug Benefits Plan (ODB) from covering pillpacks.

Added Marzel: “At the heart of the issue are seniorcitizens who will no longer be able to live at home and who will bepushed into nursing homes.”

Several citizens’ groups, includingthe 350,000-member CARP (Canada’s Association for the 50-plus), haveopposed Ontario’s plan to cut payments. Susan Eng, the association’svice-president for advocacy, said recently: “CARP believes thatcontinued and better access to compliance packs will assist people toremain independent and safe in their homes by reducing the threat ofmedication error.”

Source/more: http://www.thestar.com/News/Ontario/article/469587