Pharmacists’ association sounds alarm on vacancies

The Pharmacists’ Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (PANL) is urging the provincial government to address an ongoing shortage of pharmacy workers both in communities and hospitals.

PANL’s 2022 survey and membership analysis of community pharmacies identified about 100 vacant pharmacist positions in the province, surpassing the available workforce.

“Our survey found a considerable number of vacancies within community pharmacies, which are the main health-care hub in many smaller communities,” said Kara O’Keefe, community pharmacist and PANL board member, in a news release.

“Equally as concerning is the number of vacancies within hospital pharmacies.”

To tackle this challenge, PANL recommends government increase the size of pharmacy school classes, mirroring successful strategies in nursing and medicine; introduce navigation and educational resources to streamline the transition for internationallytrained pharmacists in the province; and establish fair contracts with public service unions to recognize and support the contributions of pharmacists and allied health professionals with hopes of fostering staff retention.

O’Keefe also noted the lack of human resources puts strain on the staff that are there, leading to burnout and departures.

Beyond recruitment concerns, PANL also drew attention to the federal government’s commitment in the 2022 budget to expand the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness program, and the association is advocating to place forgiveness amounts and timelines for pharmacists in the same category as physicians and urging the provincial government to press federal counterparts on this matter.

Additionally, PANL continues its advocacy efforts with the province to have the current Labour Market Adjustment made permanent and pensionable for members working in hospitals and within the Department of Health and Community Services.