Town hall to launch Neighbourhood Pharmacies' new 2022-24 strategic plan, Investing in Access

The Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada has released its 2022-2024 Strategic Plan, “Investing in Access.”

The three-year plan is unveiled at a pivotal juncture in the global health landscape, amid ongoing turbulence caused by the pandemic, at a time when the value, ingenuity, and commitment of pharmacy have never been so evident. Neighbourhood Pharmacies is building on the momentum generated by the sector and the growing trust of government and Canadians to expand pharmacy’s integral role in public health and primary care. Register for Neighbourhood Pharmacies’ free Strategic Plan Town Hall taking place on January 18, where they’ll introduce the new strategic plan and host a Q&A session inviting participants to get involved in this interactive virtual event.

"The COVID-19 pandemic is highlighting the strengths and exposing the weaknesses of all health systems," says Sandra Hanna, Neighbourhood Pharmacies CEO. "I'm exceptionally proud of our new strategic plan because we made a clear, definitive choice to build upon the success of the pharmacy sector's prominent, integral role in public health and primary care. We perceive this moment as a strategic opportunity for the pharmacy sector to identify emerging consumer and healthcare trends that will impact the way Canadians expect to receive care."

Pharmacies have proven themselves invaluable healthcare partners in the fight against COVID-19, stepping up as trusted healthcare hubs and providing vaccines to their communities. The Association is building on the momentum generated by the sector and the growing trust of government and Canadians to expand pharmacy's integral role in public health and primary care.

Pharmacy's role is expanding at the same time as healthcare is being recognized as a critical policy area demanding government innovation. "Investing in Access" focuses on four core pillars: Proactive Advocacy, Outcomes-Focused Thought Leadership, Viable Sustainability, as well as Strategic Collaboration and Partnerships. Consistent with its successful pan-Canadian advocacy approach, Neighbourhood Pharmacies will continue to collaborate with its extensive stakeholder network – within and across jurisdictions – and alongside industry and health system partners to inform policy decisions.

"Pharmacy is poised to play a greater role than ever," notes Hanna. "We will continue working with industry stakeholders and federal and provincial governments, as an outcomes-focused partner demonstrating how pharmacy is an accessible solution to meet the healthcare needs of Canadians."