The business promised to swiftly execute the changes in response to public input.
Less than a week after the exclusive agreement was revealed, Manulife made a U-turn and said on Monday that it will now cover specialty pharmaceuticals filled at any pharmacy, rather than just at pharmacies owned by Loblaw.
The reason for the swift adjustment, according to a statement on the company’s website, is that “feedback is deeply rooted in our company’s long-standing history and culture.”
In the Q&A section of its statement, the website states, “This decision ensures Canadians have choice, access, and flexibility in managing their health.”
It further stated that more changes will be provided to its website and that the modification will take effect “swiftly”.
Members who have prescriptions for specialty drugs can still get their drugs from Bayshore and Loblaw-owned pharmacies. There will still be a choice for home delivery.
Manulife’s spokeswoman directed CBC News to the website statement when contacted for comment.
“The public has spoken.”
About 260 prescription drugs that are used to treat complicated, chronic, or life-threatening disorders are covered by the insurance company’s Specialty Drug Care program, and this initial agreement was originally made public by The Canadian Press.
Customers, drug policy experts, and independent pharmacists reacted negatively to it, claiming that the preferred pharmacy network arrangement (PPNA) will lower the standard of pharmaceutical care that patients receive.
Regarding the announcement that the Manulife-Loblaw deal will be rescinded, Toronto independent pharmacist Kyro Maseh stated, “I believe the people have spoken, and this is a question of patient choice and respect for patients, autonomy, and well-being.”
