Decision on loyalty programs delayed
Public outcry has forced the Alberta College of Pharmacists to delay a decision whether to ban loyalty and rewards programs with the sale of prescription drugs.
The college had argued that offering loyalty programs — such as Air Miles — with drug purchases entices individuals to engage in risky behaviour and can increase costs to the health-care system.
But the proposal, plus comments made by college officials in the media, caused patient advocates, big-store pharmacies and reward program companies to cry foul.
Following a council meeting in Edmonton on Thursday, the college updated its website stating that due to the “large volume of information received and the complexity of the issue, council has decided that they need more time to consider it before they proceed with any decisions.”
Officials with the college were not available for comment Thursday.
A spokesperson for Air Miles Canada said volumes of information from the public and pharmacists were submitted prior to the college’s deadline for feedback on Dec. 3.
“They have received a tremendous amount of consumer reaction to the proposal and a significant number of consum- ers are opposed to that,” said Mitchell Merowitz, spokesman for Air Miles Canada.
Merowitz said the company would continue to inform customers and voice its opposition to the proposal, but left it to the college to explain its motivation for proposing such a ban. “In Alberta you have been able to earn loyalty points for more than 20 years,” said Merowitz.
“I don’t know what is behind the intention or motivation.”
Patti Knott, a pharmacist at an Edmonton Safeway, opposes the proposed ban — now on hold — saying it falls outside the body’s mandate, which is to protect the public.
“I think where this call is coming from is the smaller independent stores,” she said. “That’s not Air Miles’ fault; it’s a sign of the times. The day of the corner drugstore is diminished.”
She said she is “insulted and offended” by supporters of the ban who argue offering loyalty programs and rewards diminishes the profession.
Laura Kowalski, an MS sufferer on disability and who relies on Air Miles to travel, says it’s appropriate the col- lege carefully consider its proposal because it never made sense to begin with.
“I would hope they would take the time to consider it,” Kowalski said.
“With the public outcry, they’ll realize that what they’re doing is inappropriate. For some people it may seem trivial, but for people with chronic illnesses it’s like a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.”