“This is clearly a system that’s not working,” said a frustrated Coun. David Ferreira as he watched video recorded on Wednesday morning by CTV News. The activities of more than a dozen people were recorded over a period of 20 minutes in front of Medpoint Care Pharmacy on Dundas Place and includes people passed out in doorways, hand-to-hand exchanges of small unidentifiable objects, and a man walking around with a sheathed knife on his hip. “Frustratingly, not surprised,” Ferreira admitted. “I hear this from my constituents. I hear this from business owners. I hear this from many people in the area.” Ferreira has sent a motion to the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee (SPPC) requesting the mayor advocate for, “the province and relevant regulatory bodies [to] undertake an immediate review of high-volume, for-profit addiction treatment and dispensing models operating in Ontario.” “These (pharmacies) are dispensing hydromorphone through provincially funded mechanisms, including OHIP, under policy frameworks that do not require sufficient aftercare or ongoing oversight,” his motion warned. The letter added, “When prescribing and dispensing occur without a structured continuum of care, outcomes become uncertain and risks such as diversion increase.” He also wants his letter sent to Ontario’s Ministry of Health, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, and the Ontario College of Pharmacists. “Change needs to be made now. It’s not only for the communities that are being impacted surrounding these areas, but it’s also for the people who need that extra care and that extra support. It’s not working for anybody. It’s only working seemingly for these for-profit corporate entities,” he told CTV News. In a statement, Medpoint Care Pharmacy asserts that its approach is grounded in patient safety, respect, and adherence to established pharmacy and regulatory standards. It reads in part, “We are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for everyone in and around our pharmacy. We have clear operational protocols in place, maintain consistent staff presence, and take a proactive approach to addressing concerns and ensuring orderly conduct.” Pharmacies have been dispensing methadone and other medications used to treat addiction for many years under provincial regulations. However, some pharmacies started offering a newer addiction treatment model involving a combination of in-person and virtual (online) care by doctors. Ferreira emphasized his concerns are not intended to reopen debate about safe supply or harm reduction, rather to address how the for-profit model is operating. “The current regulatory framework seems to only really focus on the prescription or the administering of the drug itself, but it doesn’t provide those extra wraparound supports. It doesn’t provide that comprehensive health care pathway,” he added. Ferreira’s motion will be considered by the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee on April 21. The complete statement from Medpoint Care Pharmacy reads: “Medpoint Care Pharmacy is committed to providing accessible, compassionate, and professional care to the community we serve. We support a wide range of healthcare needs, including preventative care, chronic disease management, and addiction treatment. “Our approach is grounded in patient safety, respect, and adherence to established pharmacy and regulatory standards. We recognize that communities across London are facing growing challenges related to mental health, homelessness, and substance use. These are complex issues that require coordinated, evidence-based responses. “As a healthcare provider, our role is to contribute positively by supporting patients in a structured and responsible manner, while working collaboratively with prescribers and other care partners. At the same time, we are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for everyone in and around our pharmacy. “We have clear operational protocols in place, maintain consistent staff presence, and take a proactive approach to addressing concerns and ensuring orderly conduct. Our focus is simple: To provide high-quality care, support better health outcomes, and be a responsible, constructive part of the local community.”
