The Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (Neighbourhood Pharmacies) welcomed the 2022 Ontario Budget, Ontario’s Plan To Build, released April 28th by the Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance.
We are supportive of the government’s measures to invest in the healthcare sector, including stated strategies to build Ontario’s health care workforce, shore up domestic production of critical supplies such as personal protective equipment and vaccines, and invest in hospitals, long‐term care homes and home care.
While pharmacy is not specifically referenced in the budget, we note a projected increase of 3.3% in healthcare spending, as well as Drugs Programs budget increase of 6.1%. We see this commitment as a positive step forward in supporting patient access to medications and services to ensure optimal medication outcomes.
“We encourage the government’s diligent use of this health-related funding to increase Ontarians’ access to medications and pharmacy services,” says Sandra Hanna, CEO, Neighbourhood Pharmacies. “Ontario’s pharmacies have offered accessible, critical support to patients and communities throughout the pandemic and are a partner to government, public health and primary care providers. Working with the community pharmacy sector helps expand access to vital healthcare services for Ontarians, allowing the government to focus on rebuilding the province’s economy.”
Neighbourhood Pharmacies looks forward to hearing more details from the provincial parties on supporting the public health and primary care needs of Ontarians in the lead up to the election. For more information on our Ontario priorities, members can refer to our submissions to the Ontario Budget consultations.