The kickback scheme halted by media and government scrutiny last spring has begun again, according to 10 Vancouver pharmacists who urge their regulator and the province to act
Some pharmacists have resumed the practice of offering prohibited cash incentives in exchange for patients’ prescription business, despite media and government scrutiny last spring that forced a temporary halt to the kickbacks, say pharmacists in a letter to British Columbia’s Health Minister.
“The situation temporarily improved when investigations were perceived to be under way; however, six months later, the unethical practices have surged, with devastating consequences for ethical businesses and patient safety,” the letter says. Pharmacies charge a dispensing fee for each prescription, and these fees make up a significant portion of their overall revenue. For patients on income assistance and with First Nations health benefits, a pharmacy that is enrolled with BC PharmaCare can bill the publicly-funded program for up to $10 for each of up to three medications, per patient, per day.
In May, the Health Ministry sent a letter to Vancouver-area pharmacies warning that offering such inducements could result in a fine of up to $200,000 and/or six months imprisonment. As an apparent result, pharmacies began The College of Pharmacists of B.C. confirmed to The Globe on Jan. 8 that it had received the group’s letter but said it could not answer further questions.
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