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Tuesday, March 8, 2005
Nothing can beat a real pharmacy
Copyright © 2005 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc. | ||||
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The lead editorial extolled the virtue of the state of Maine's continued promotion of mail order, while an excellent, and moving, column by Jennifer Boylan talked about the personal service and care accorded to her and her family over the years by the now-closed True's Pharmacy of Oakland. Mail order may well be an important part of the pharmacy mix, particularly for state programs. However, the Maine Merchants Association and pharmacy associations constantly warn decision-makers of the services that will be gone forever if we look back later and all the brick-and-mortar pharmacies have closed. The personal care and attention outlined in Boylan's column cannot be matched by mail order. Maine's brick-and-mortar pharmacies are having trouble competing with the state that pays for more than 50 percent of prescriptions filled in some rural areas of Maine. Already, 13 of these pharmacies have closed because of various state policies and programs. Still, all they ask is a level playing field with mail order; the same rules regarding co-pays and length of refills. Prescription drug costs and availability are critical issues today. The newspaper is to be commended for providing information and insights on both sides of the debate. Jim McGregor Executive Vice President Maine Merchants Association Augusta |
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