A Conservative MPP is circulating a petition against funding cuts by the province that will hit local pharmacies.
Bruce Grey Owen Sound MPP Bill Murdoch says the elimination of “professional allowances” will mean pharmacists will lose up to half of their revenue.
Queens Park decided to eliminate the fees, which are paid for by Generic drug companies as a way of getting their products on store shelves.
The McGuinty Liberals say the change will lead to lower generic drug costs, and lower costs for the province as a result.
But, MPP Murdoch says for small drug stores that don’t carry products like cosmetics and groceries — the reforms will mean a drastic reduction in direct-patient care.
Right now, pharmacists provide support to patients concerning their prescriptions for often complex medical conditions but that will likely stop because of the funding cut.
Murdoch says he will have a petition at his office in the riding, and it will go out to smaller pharmacies .
It calls on the government to reverse the decision and he’ll present the signatures in the Legislature to the Premier.
Murdoch thinks most opposition MPP’s will also be circulating petitions against the cuts to local pharmacies.