B.C. pharmacist concerned about new safer supply delivery model

More reaction is coming in after B.C.’s health minister announced sweeping changes to the safe supply drug program this week.

Pharmacist Yoshi Ito is concerned about the additional workload with B.C.’s new “witnessed only” delivery model for safer supply drugs.

Ito owns People’s Pharmacy in the Victoria suburb of Colwood. He was surprised to learn of the NDP’s announcement Wednesday that pharmacists must witness clients consume their opioids before leaving the premises.

“Just imagining adding more workload and witnessing a person multiple times a day,” Ito told CTV News. “I don’t know how that’s going to be feasible, to be honest with you.”

The new delivery model has been introduced as a way to stop diversion of safer supply drugs from ending up in the illicit market.

Previously, clients could receive their prescription and leave the pharmacy.

Critics of B.C.‘s safer supply program have long complained that diversion of prescribed opioids such as hydromorphone was being downplayed by the government.

A leaked Ministry of Health briefing said a “significant portion” of prescribed opioids were being trafficked locally and internationally.

“(Clients) are dosed to take one or two tablets every hour or two, as needed,” said Ito. “Are they going to come back the next hour, and then the next hour, and then the next? That’s just not feasible, it’s unprecedented. I can’t imagine how we’re going to do this. ”

London Drugs says despite the current lack of details, it supports the decision.

“We understand that this is going to be another step that a pharmacist has to complete,” said Chris Chiew, London Drugs’ vice-president of pharmacy and health-care innovation. ”However, if it actually ensures that the intended recipient gets the medication they need, we’re behind that at that point."

Health Minister Josie Osborne says any new users of the safer supply program will automatically require a witness, while current users will begin the “witnessed only” delivery model in the coming weeks.

Ito says he understand there is a need for change, but says the logistics are daunting. He said he’s spoken with patients who told him stories of safer supply drugs being “sold on the streets to get more potent, toxic supply.”

“There’s no denying that something has to be done, because for sure there’s a lot of diversion on the streets with the safe supply,” he said.

The B.C. Pharmacy Association declined an interview due to a lack of information about the policy change so far.