Concerned about your access to care, close to home, when you need it?

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Protect Patient Access to Pharmacists Provided Care.

The government’s plan to refocus healthcare looks more like removing access and restricting care. At a time when hospital systems are stretched to their limits, efforts should be made to expand support and enable pharmacists to work to their full scope of practice. Limiting care is not a solution, its a setback. Alberta’s healthcare system needs investment and empowerment, not barriers that prevent people from getting the help they deserve.

How These Changes Impact You?

Changes to pharmacy programs are a direct threat to Alberta’s healthcare system.

Removing Access to Vaccines

Changes to pharmacy programs are a direct threat to Alberta’s healthcare system.

Increasing Prescription Copays for Seniors and Albertans with Non-Group Coverage

Changes to pharmacy programs are a direct threat to Alberta’s healthcare system.

Restricting Pharmacist Care for Chronic Conditions

Changes to pharmacy programs are a direct threat to Alberta’s healthcare system.

Albertans Deserve Better

Pharmacists have been publicly praised as critical providers in Alberta’s healthcare system.  Yet the government’s program restrictions and cost containment strategies undermine pharmacists ability to provide care, threatening patient care and well being.

Ensuring pharmacists have the resources to meet Albertans’ growing healthcare needs is essential to prevent further harm. Without action, Albertans will face worsening health outcomes, longer waits for care and fewer trusted relationships with their healthcare providers.

Pharmacist care is an integral part of Alberta’s healthcare system that many Albertan’s rely upon.  Let’s ensure that access to pharmacist care remains a cornerstone of healthcare in your community for all Albertans.

SPEAK UP TODAY TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHT TO ACCESS CARE FROM THE HEALTHCARE PROVIDER YOU KNOW AND TRUST – YOUR PHARMACIST.

Decisions That Hurt All Albertans

Pharmacists do so much more than fill prescriptions. They:

  • Prescribe and renew your medications when you run out.
  • Make prescription changes to increase or decrease the dose to optimize your chronic condition care.
  • Monitor your medication therapy and order your lab work for you.
  • Inform you about lab results and help you understand what they mean.
  • Provide access to vaccines to protect against seasonal illnesses (Influenza, RSV, Pneumo) and to meet your travel destination requirements.

However, government program and policy changes mean pharmacist provided care is at risk.

Reduced availability of health screening and chronic condition management, resulting in delayed care, poorer outcomes, and added pressure on hospitals and emergency services.
Limited access to COVID vaccines, leading to lower protection rates and higher risk of severe illness, hospitalization, ICU admission, and death.
Limited access to COVID vaccines, leading to lower protection rates and higher risk of severe illness, hospitalization, ICU admission, and death.

We can’t afford to lose access to pharmacists who:

Manage Your Health, Safely and Confidently

Pharmacists play a vital role in helping patients understand their medications, manage chronic conditions, and make informed healthcare choices. When pharmacists aren’t fully supported, patients—especially those in underserved or rural areas—may face delays, confusion, or avoidable complications in their care journey. Reduced pharmacist availability means patients are left without the guidance they rely on to stay well.

 

Coordinate Complex Treatment Plans

Whether managing diabetes, heart conditions, or multiple medications, pharmacists provide the expertise and time needed to ensure safe and personalized treatment. When their capacity is stretched, patients lose access to comprehensive consultations, putting their health outcomes at risk. For those with multiple prescriptions or complex conditions, fewer pharmacist-led check-ins can lead to dangerous medication errors or interactions.

Prescribe When You Need It Most

Pharmacists are often the first and most accessible healthcare professional for many Albertans. They are trained to assess your condition, review your medical history, and prescribe treatments—no appointment required. When their ability to provide this service is restricted, patients face longer wait times, more visits to already overcrowded emergency departments, and increased barriers to getting timely care.

Vaccinate to Protect You and Your Community

Pharmacists are frontline immunizers, offering fast and convenient access to vaccines for seasonal illnesses, travel, and more. A delay in access means higher infection rates, more strain on hospitals, and greater risk to vulnerable populations. When patients can’t get vaccinated easily, the entire healthcare system feels the pressure.

The Bottom Line: Your Health Depends on Access to Pharmacists

Every day, pharmacists ease the burden on family doctors, walk-in clinics, and ERs by being accessible, trusted care providers. Limiting their ability to deliver care affects you, your family, and every Albertan relying on timely, expert healthcare.

Concerned about your access to care, close to home, when you need it?

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