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Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC), a group purchasing organization consisting of community pharmacies, has reached a new supply agreement1 with McKesson, a drug wholesaler that’s considered a part of the industry’s “Big Three.” The deal had been about a year in the making, and IPC noted that it helps to empower its member pharmacies.
The deal offers IPC members two pricing options, giving them the flexibility to modify their approach in order to further assist their communities and succeed in the marketplace. These aforementioned options are expected to be shared with member pharmacies over the next month, with an effective date of Aug. 1, 2024.
Marc Essensa, IPC’s CEO, expressed the importance of this specific deal for the organization’s network.
“Our collaboration with McKesson reflects our unwavering commitment to our members’ success. By offering these pathways, we empower pharmacies to make informed decisions that align with their unique business models. This agreement underscores our dedication to fostering choice, innovation, and resilience within the independent pharmacy landscape. Through the agreement, McKesson and IPC worked together to help support IPC members’ access to the digital health platform.”
In other McKesson news, the wholesaler launched Project Oasis, a new initiative whose goal is to further health equity for at-risk populations that live in underserved communities.2 Project Oasis works to find and draw attention to pharmacy deserts, specifically in urban areas where residents may have issues with being able to conveniently access pharmacy services.
McKesson’s Global Impact Organization and Community Pharmacy & Health will be taking charge in this effort. After considering various underserved neighborhoods across the United States, as its first site for Project Oasis, the drug wholesaler selected the city of Avondale, OH.
Using what the company calls an “objective screening process,” McKesson worked with Dr. Emmanuel Ayanjoke, a licensed pharmacist who is heavily involved in the community, to assist him in acquiring independent pharmacy ownership. As a result, Ayanjoke is now the owner of Altev Community Pharmacy.
“As a diversified healthcare services company, we recognize the pivotal role community pharmacies play in promoting health equity and bridging gaps in care,” said Nimesh Jhaveri, McKesson’s EVP and chief impact officer. “Project Oasis represents our dedication to making a lasting difference as we live our purpose of ‘Advancing Health Outcomes for All.’”
Earlier this week, the company—alongside Health Mart and Health Mart Atlas—hosted its ideaShare conference in New Orleans, an annual event where community pharmacists collaborate in fortifying the pharma industry by increasing the involvement they have in patient’s lives.3 The goal of the event was for McKesson leaders and industry partners to acknowledge the important role that independent pharmacists play in their communities.
“McKesson has a longstanding history as an essential advocate and partner for community pharmacies to sustain, grow, and improve their business’s economic health and efficiency,” commented Crystal Lennartz, PharmD, MBA, president, Health Mart and Health Mart Atlas. “With a focus on profitability and community impact, we offered the latest business and clinical education. This year’s event aimed to inspire independents with new solutions and services, ignite advocacy actions, and recharge to meet the challenges of today’s pharmacy landscape.”
References
1. Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) and McKesson Forge New Supply Agreement. PR Newswire. June 24, 2024. Accessed June 27, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/independent-pharmacy-cooperative-ipc-and-mckesson-forge-new-supply-agreement-302180799.html
2. Saraceno N. McKesson Debuts Project Oasis to Increase Patient Accessibility to Pharmacies. Pharmaceutical Commerce. April 5, 2024. Accessed June 27, 2024. https://www.pharmaceuticalcommerce.com/view/mckesson-debuts-project-oasis-to-increase-patient-accessibility-to-pharmacies
3. McKesson ideaShare Ignites and Inspires Independent Community Pharmacies. PR Newswire. June 26, 2024. Accessed June 27, 2024. https://www.mckesson.com/about-mckesson/newsroom/press-releases/2024/mckesson-ideashare-ignites-and-inspires-independent-community-pharmacies/
