The Manitoba Economic Development Organization Care (Medocare) Pharmacy was discussed at the Portage Friendship Centre last night.

Manitoba Metis Federation's Minister of Economic Development Leah LaPlante says the government denied health funding because of a lack of research, so they partnered with the University of Manitoba and found that Metis people aren't very healthy.

"If we have the worst health in Manitoba, then that means we're spending millions of dollars every year in other peoples' pharmacies. So why don't we start thinking strategically and get a pharmacy of our own and get our people to support that, then the profits made can go back to the communities in many forms. Preferably in some kind of health programming."

She says they've been in operation for a few years, and things have run smoothly.

LaPlante giving her presentation.

"We use every avenue available to get medications out. Canada Post, Bus Lines, whatever it takes. There's no extra cost, that cost of getting it out to them is covered by the pharmacy itself, and if enough of you are using the MEDO Care Pharmacy it would only be a matter of time before we could afford to have a pharmacy right here in Portage."

LaPlante says it's easy as calling the 1-800 number to switch.

"Our pharmacist will then call their pharmacy to get their prescriptions moved. The person doesn't have to do anything at all other than make the initial call. The pharmacists makes the arrangements, and it's required and legal, but we still had a hesitation. We still had some hesitation so I said to them, it's as easy as phoning back your old pharmacy if you want you prescriptions back in town. You're not locked into anything so why don't you try it."

She adds the profits gained from the pharmacy would all go back to the Metis community. Information on the MedoCare Pharmacy can be found below.