Saskatchewan pharmacists under strain says corporate VP
Global News
After roughly two years of lockdowns and health restrictions due to COVID-19, there is a shortage of pharmacists in Saskatchewan and across Canada.
The COVID-19 pandemic has put a strain on pharmacists.
London Drugs Pharmacy and Healthcare Innovation vice president Chris Chiew says the industry has been overworked through the pandemic and the lack of new pharmacists is making it difficult for present pharmacists to keep up with the increasing number of tasks they have to perform.
“We don’t have more people, but we do have more work. It’s nice to shovel things in our yard, but it takes people to do the work,” said Auclair.
“We do have some people who either took early retirement or right now…are taking a vacation…,” Chiew told Global News.
Pharmacy Association Saskatchewan CEO Michael Fougere says Saskatoon isn’t seeing a huge drop in pharmacists, but Regina is.
Fougere says exact stats and numbers about the extent of the shortage are not known.
“They may be working longer hours, they may close earlier. I don’t think there is anything affected in terms of the quality or the type of service people received. I haven’t heard anything from the public or pharmacists themselves,” Fougere said.