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The document – called 9,000 Points of Care, for the number of pharmacists in Canada — comes as pharmacies struggle to cope with efforts by most provinces to lower generic drug prices and deprive the stores of hefty rebates generic manufacturers once paid them.

The heads of Canada’s two largest drug-store chains told the National Post on Tuesday, though, that the report was chiefly designed to showcase relatively simple reforms to a costly, sluggish system, partly by taking advantage of the profession’s underused abilities.

“For the most part, pharmacists are very well trained for everything we are suggesting,” said Dominic Pilla, CEO of Shoppers Drug Mart. “They have all the skills and they have the interest.”

The last few years have been tumultuous for both the generic-drug and pharmacy industries in Canada.

Most provinces have ordered that generic drug prices be lowered to as little as 18% of the branded price, while restricting the rebates that generic producers traditionally paid pharmacies in exchange for shelf space, a practice seen as raising prices for governments, consumers and private insurers.

Although companies like Shoppers fought the reforms, the white paper puts aside that battle and advocates for changes that could produce new sources of revenue.

‘The good news is that pharmacists can do it more conveniently and at a lower cost’

It suggests that pharmacists be allowed to diagnose and prescribe medication to people for ailments like acne, cold sores, rashes and hay fever. Saskatchewan has already opened the door to such a change, while a similar program implemented in Scotland six years ago appears to have reduced doctor visits for minor complaints.