WINNIPEG -- Premier Brian Pallister said the Manitoba government is considering lifting dispensing fees in place on prescription drugs.
The premier made the comment during a news conference Tuesday morning, after being asked if there was still serious consideration on waiving drug dispensing fees.
“Yes, absolutely,” the premier responded, though he did not elaborate further.
In March, the Manitoba government put one-month limits in place on prescription drug refills in an effort to deter medication stockpiling.
Some seniors have criticized the decision, saying the dispensing fees, which are paid every time a prescription is filled, are starting to add up each month, with some having to dip into their savings to cover the fees.
Dave Magrel said he has seven prescriptions to fill, with dispensing fees ranging between $12 and $15.
“Historically, I’ve been able to get a 90-day supply of medications paying one prescription fee,” he said, noting he is unable to do that anymore.
Magrel said he's in favour of waiving prescription fees, saying it can help those who are on fixed incomes, such as seniors.
The Province of Nova Scotia announced in April it would be covering the extra dispensing fees from prescription refills.
One week ago, Pallister said he was looking for a solution to this issue.
“Our seniors are put in a position of having to absorb some of those additional costs,” he said. ”It’s an issue that all the provinces have talked about.”
Speaking Tuesday afternoon, Dr. Brent Roussin, the province’s chief public health officer, said the province is still reviewing the possibility of lifting prescription limits but had no update on when it would happen.
“I don't have a specific date or a specific action that's being taken place, where I can say, is that something that's actively being reviewed right now, to be able to address it in a, you know, in a safe way that still balances the needs to ensure a safe medication supply,” he said.
-with files from CTV’s Mike Arsenault
