Latest news with #pharmacies
Globe and Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Ontario considers rule to limit exclusivity deals between insurers and pharmacies
The Ontario government is considering a new regulatory rule that would allow patients to access any pharmacy of their choice through a mandatory exemption – even if their private insurer has signed an exclusive agreement with a preferred pharmacy. The proposed rule is one of two options the Ontario government is seeking feedback on as part of its second public consultation looking at whether new regulations are needed to limit exclusivity deals between insurers and pharmacies, called preferred pharmacy (or provider) networks (PPNs). Insurers and some pharmacies argue the deals can lessen costs and guarantee certain service standards, while other pharmacies and patient advocates argue the agreements inappropriately constrain patient choice and could lead to poorer health outcomes. A second option the government is considering more closely is what it calls an 'any-able-and-willing-provider' (AAWP) model, which would require insurers to allow a wide range of health care providers into their networks. An 'any-willing-provider' measure would essentially end what are called 'closed' PPNs, in which patients can only get medication reimbursed if it comes from specific pharmacies that have deals with their insurance company. An 'open' PPN allows more pharmacies to join these networks if they can show they can meet certain quality and pricing standards. Ontario to launch new consultation on restricting exclusive deals between pharmacies and insurers During last year's initial consultation, the Ministry of Finance conducted 11 stakeholder roundtables and received 178 independent submissions. After reviewing the information, the government said it found that pharmacy PPNs 'may increase access' to specialty medications by 'enabling affordable coverage,' as well as 'significantly reduce' pharmacy mark-ups, from 15 per cent to 10 per cent, for example. The government also heard that, if employers and insurers are not able to utilize pharmacy PPNs to keep costs 'at bay,' employers may choose to reduce coverage or cut benefits altogether. When reviewing whether PPNs have any effects on competition, the ministry said it heard that they are 'not the only such arrangement' that may affect competition. Patient Support Programs, known as PSPs, are also arrangements where drug price and access are negotiated. The government also heard that vertical integration between insurers, pharmacy benefit managers and pharmacy operators may pose a risk to competition. The alternative option of introducing a standardized and mandatory exemption rule could also promote consumer choice, the government said, by limiting the circumstances in which a PPN may require or incentivize a patient to use a preferred pharmacy. Currently, PPNs may include a process for patients to request an exemption so they can access prescriptions at pharmacies outside of the network. However, these processes are not standardized across the industry and are at the insurer's discretion. Access to medication is increasingly being dictated by preferred pharmacy networks If introduced, an exemption rule would be standardized and mandated by statute, regulations and rules. Examples of a qualifying exemption would be medical, geographical or accessibility reasons. Karen Leiva, spokesperson for the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association, said the association has long held the view that PPNs are an important tool for the industry. 'PPNs help to ensure that Canadians who need life-saving medication and other supports can receive them,' she said in an e-mail. Justin Bates, chief executive officer of the Ontario Pharmacists Association, said he is encouraged to see a form of 'any-willing-provider' legislation being explored as part of the second consultation. However, Mr. Bates also said that because this type of legislation would not be a blanket ban on PPNs, it could leave open the possibility that insurers create PPNs that are open in name only – because the terms of joining are so restrictive they exclude some pharmacies that find the requirements too onerous or expensive. The government's addition of the word 'able' to make the phrase 'any-able-and-willing-provider' has raised some eyebrows. Quinn Grundy, a professor at the University of Toronto who researches the pharmaceutical industry, said the use of the word 'able,' along with a mention of smaller pharmacies not necessarily having the right equipment to handle specialty drugs, was a red herring. 'I actually don't think that is the issue at all,' Prof. Grundy said. 'Everyone can get a fridge. These drugs are within any pharmacist's scope of practice to dispense. I think the question around able is whether they can afford to provide those services at the price that the insurer is willing to reimburse.' Mike Nashat, a pharmacist and director of OnPharm-United, a network of more than 600 independent pharmacies, said that competency standards should be set by regulators, not by parties to an agreement. 'We're increasingly concerned that the word 'able' will be used as a loophole to justify excluding qualified pharmacies from networks for commercial, not clinical or competency, reasons,' he said. PPNs do allow insurers to contain costs and ensure standards, said Chris Bonnett, a consultant on drug policy and private health insurance – but to work long-term, all parties must benefit. 'That means the terms have to ensure a viable market, be clear and transparent, and be monitored so that overall, everyone is better off,' he said. The Finance Minister's office declined to respond to questions about the consultation, which runs until July 28.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Why digital health adoption is the catalyst for South Africa's retail health sector expansion?
Amid cautious consumer spending, the Retail trade sales report from Stats SA reveals that retail trade sales in March increased by 2.8%, with sales up compared to the same period in 2024. South Africa's retail health sector is showing signs of growth. The sector experienced an impressive 7.1% growth in March, contributing 0.5 percentage points to overall retail performance. Retail pharmacies and small-to-medium sized medical practices are more than just businesses; they are essential building blocks of South Africa's healthcare infrastructure. Often serving as the first point of contact for patients, these practices are embedded in their communities and vital to delivering preventative care and treating common illnesses. As these frontline providers take on a growing role in communities, they're also uniquely positioned to benefit from the shifts reshaping the industry. Our data at Merchant Capital shows clear signs of momentum in the sector, driven by several key trends that present strong growth opportunities for pharmacies and practices: Growing demand: With a rising number of chronic conditions and a steadily increasing population, the need for accessible primary healthcare is expanding. This presents a clear opportunity for practices looking to scale and serve more patients. Digital health adoption: Electronic health records (EHRs), digital diagnostics, and telemedicine are redefining how care is delivered. While these technologies improve efficiency and patient experience, they require upfront investment and training—areas where access to funding can accelerate adoption. Regulatory compliance: As the regulatory landscape becomes more complex, practices are facing increased administrative and compliance costs. This creates a growing need for financial support to keep pace with evolving standards. Preventative care emphasis: There is a marked shift towards proactive healthcare, with a surge in patient education initiatives and screening programmes. To participate meaningfully, practices must invest in outreach, specialised equipment, and broader service offerings. To capitalise on these trends, access to strategic funding becomes a critical lever for success. For healthcare professionals, the right financial support doesn't just plug budget gaps, it unlocks growth. Whether it's expanding consultation space, investing in diagnostic tools, or implementing AI-powered admin systems, the right Asset-Free Medical Practice funding partner can help practices modernise and meet the needs of today's patients. As South Africa's retail health sector continues to grow, now is the time for small practices and independent pharmacies to act. With the right stock strategy, enhanced customer experience, and tailored working capital solutions, healthcare entrepreneurs are well-positioned to strengthen their offering, serve more patients, and thrive in a transforming industry. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
The Independent
23-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Millions to benefit from new prescription feature on NHS app
Millions in England can now track their NHS prescriptions via the NHS app, receiving "Amazon-style" updates on medication status. This feature aims to reduce the burden on pharmacies, freeing up staff to focus on patient care by lessening calls and visits inquiring about prescription status. Nearly 1,500 pharmacies, including Boots, have adopted the technology, with expansion to almost 5,000 expected within the next year. The app allows patients to track their prescriptions in real-time, showing whether they are ready for collection or have been shipped. This service is expected to reduce unnecessary trips to pharmacies and improve overall efficiency.
CNET
23-05-2025
- Health
- CNET
Zyrtec and Xyzal Flagged by FDA for New Side Effect. How to Know When to See Your Doctor
Over-the-counter allergy medicines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) and levocetirizine (Xyzal) have become common drugs for many people in the US who suffer from seasonal symptoms like watery eyes and sneezing, but now the FDA indicates that both drugs have a new risk. The FDA recently published a warning about these antihistamines, saying that patients who suddenly stop taking these medicines after long-term use "may experience rare but severe itching." The itching, which is also known as pruritus, occurred in patients who had been taking cetirizine and levocetirizine daily for a few months or even years. The FDA estimates that 62.7 million over-the-counter packages of cetirizine and levocetirizine were bought in 2022. The same year, about 26.8 million cetirizine and levocetirizine prescriptions for both OTC and prescription products were dispensed from US outpatient pharmacies. Considering that allergies are getting worse, partly because of climate change creating longer, more intense pollen seasons, it wouldn't be surprising if these numbers continue to climb. The FDA decided to issue this warning after identifying 209 cases worldwide -- 180 cases for cetirizine, 27 for levocetirizine and two for both -- of this particular side effect reported between April 2017 and July 2023. However, there may be more cases, since these are only those that were reported to the FDA. Interestingly, even though most patients who experienced this severe itching had been taking these antihistamines for over three months, some had this reaction after less than one month of use. Due to these findings, the FDA will now include a warning on the prescribing information for prescription cetirizine and levocetirizine. The administration is also asking that manufacturers add this warning to drug facts labels for OTC versions. For those who dealt with this side effect, restarting the antihistamine or tapering it off after restarting often resolved the issue. According to the FDA, the most common side effects of cetirizine and levocetirizine are fatigue, drowsiness, sore throat, cough, dry mouth, nosebleed, fever, diarrhea and vomiting. When to contact your doctor If you stop taking OTC cetirizine or levocetirizine and develop severe itching within a few days after you'd been using the medicine daily for several months to years, you should contact your doctor. If you plan to take these medicines for a prolonged period of time, you should also discuss the pros and cons with your doctor before starting.
CNET
22-05-2025
- Health
- CNET
The FDA Released a Warning About Zyrtec and Xyzal for 1 Newly Discovered Side Effect
Do you take oral allergy medicines such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) or levocetirizine (Xyzal)? The FDA recently published a warning about these antihistamines, saying that patients who suddenly stop taking these medicines after long-term use "may experience rare but severe itching." Specifically, the itching (also known as pruritus) occurred in patients who had been taking cetirizine and levocetirizine daily for a few months or even years. The FDA estimates that 62.7 million over-the-counter (OTC) packages of cetirizine and levocetirizine were bought in 2022. This same year, about 26.8 million cetirizine and levocetirizine prescriptions for both OTC and prescription products were dispensed from US outpatient pharmacies. Considering that allergies are getting worse, partly because of climate change creating longer, more intense pollen seasons, it wouldn't be surprising if these numbers continue to climb. The FDA decided to issue this warning after identifying 209 cases worldwide -- 180 cases for cetirizine, 27 for levocetirizine and two for both -- of this particular side effect reported between April 2017 and July 2023. However, there may be more cases, since these are only those that were reported to the FDA. Interestingly, though most patients who experienced this severe itching had been taking these antihistamines for over three months, some actually had this reaction after less than one month of use. Due to these findings, the FDA will now include a warning on the prescribing information for prescription cetirizine and levocetirizine. The administration is also asking that manufacturers add this warning to drug facts labels for OTC versions. For those who dealt with this side effect, restarting the antihistamine or tapering it off after restarting often resolved the issue. According to the FDA, the most common side effects of cetirizine and levocetirizine are fatigue, drowsiness, sore throat, cough, dry mouth, nosebleed, fever, diarrhea and vomiting. When to contact your doctor If you stop taking OTC cetirizine or levocetirizine and develop severe itching within a few days after daily use for several months to years, you should contact your doctor. If you plan to take these medicines for months or years, you should also discuss the pros and cons with your doctor before starting.
