UNITY – The Delta Co-operative Pharmacy in Unity has been awarded the contract to provide pharmacy services to those who reside at the Unity and District Health Centre Long Term Care facility.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority says it has been focused on reducing costs and uniformity of packaging, hence the reason for streamlining services to a single pharmacy. However, the Town of Unity council and mayor were advocating for this streamline to be re-evaluated.
“Residents in Long Term Care will no longer be able to work with the pharmacy of their choice and comfort. Both pharmacies are excellent and provide stellar service. People should not have to leave the pharmacist they have dealt with for the first 60 or 70 years of their lives because they are in the position of where Long Term Care is the next step for them,” said Mayor Sharon Del Frari.
When the SHA first started the process, there was pushback when the tenders were awarded to multinational pharmacies rather than Saskatchewan businesses. Since then, tenders will now stay within the Saskatchewan communities.
Locally owned and operated for 88 years, Our Drug Store had also submitted application to be considered for the tender. Owner Shannon Ireland said in an email to SASKTODAY.ca if not granted the tender, there would be a significant effect to the business.
“I believe our skills, knowledge and experience is an invaluable asset and we would love the opportunity to continue to provide those services. Our Drug Store has been providing pharmacy services to the Long Term Care facility since its inception. Our team has a combined 45 years of experience, and the opportunity will allow us to keep providing the best possible care to our residents and community,” added Ireland.
Even though the tenders for providing services to the facility are now closed, concerned citizens can still contact the Ministry of Health, the SHA and Premier Scott Moe to voice their concerns regarding this tender.
