Effective June 19, social assistance clients will be able to get their prescriptions from community pharmacies across the Island, rather than through the Provincial Pharmacy in Charlottetown.
Health and Social Services Minister Jamie Ballem advised today that the change will make it safer and easier for people to get their medications. "Clients will be able to get all their medications in their own community when they need them, rather than having to travel to Charlottetown or waiting for them to come by mail. Through direct contact with their own pharmacist, clients will be able to get information and ask questions about their medications, and this is very important in terms of health outcomes," said the minister.
Clients will be able to obtain their medications at their own pharmacy at no extra cost by presenting their PEI Health Card.
Provincial Pharmacy manager Lorne Clow advised that clients must transfer their prescriptions from the Provincial Pharmacy to their community pharmacy before June 19. They may do so in two ways, either by visiting their community pharmacy and asking to have their prescriptions transferred, or by calling the Provincial Pharmacy and asking to have their prescriptions transferred to the pharmacy of their choice.
Mr. Clow advised that clients should transfer their prescriptions as soon as possible to avoid running out of their medications. "Clients who choose to do so by visiting their pharmacy will be asked for their PEI Health Card. They may also find it helpful to take their medication bottles along," he said.
Clients who choose to transfer their prescriptions by phone, may call the Provincial Pharmacy toll free at 1 800 237 6470 or 1 800 237 6494.