In partnership with a Vancouver-based software engineer, North Vancouver pharmacist Anthony Chiam, RPh has developed a free, online search engine at drugsearch.ca to allow physicians and patients to quickly find drug prices, see if they are covered or not by PharmaCare, and identify if there are any Special Authority application forms needed for coverage. He explains more about the tool in the BC Medical Journal.
The intention is that physicians, patients and pharmacists can use drugsearch.ca to minimize patients’ financial burdens and reduce the amount of paperwork faxed to pharmacies requesting alternative covered medications.
Mr. Chiam is applying for a grant from the Ministry of Health for revenue to support the upkeep and cover host/server fees for the website. The website will not track or sell data; all users are anonymous. There will be no advertisements on the site.
