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10 Canadian Pharmacy Myths

Canadian Pharmacy Myths

Did you know that there are a lot of myths about Canadian Pharmacy? If this is something that you fancy to know about, you’re in the right place. So in this article get ready for the 10 Canadian Pharmacy myths to be debunked!

Selling drugs online is illegal

This only applies to unauthorized suppliers. If a pharmacy has all the necessary permissions, it can legally sell drugs online.

All drugs are produced in Canada

There are lots of pharmaceutical companies in Canada both headquarters and local branches of the foreign company such as Pfizer. But not all drugs are produced in Canada.

Pharmaceutical companies exaggerate production costs to justify high pricing

The cost of developing and manufacturing pharmaceuticals is very high. To develop and manufacture new pharmaceuticals, the company needs to pay developers, introduce new technology, etc. Generic manufacturers might bear fewer expenses, but they still cost quite high.

If pain or discomfort persists or worsens, it’s okay to take more than the prescribed dose

The prescribed dosage of your medication is not based on the doctor’s personal choice, it depends on your current medical condition, and exceeding the prescribed dosage could have dangerous consequences such as an accidental overdose or liver damage.

Once the patient feels better, it’s no longer necessary for them to take their medication

Your doctor will be giving you a set of instructions about the prescribed medication like asking you to take the medication for an entire week, etc. Feeling better does not always mean that you’re already cured and free from illnesses. That is why it is always best to follow the given instructions upon the prescription of the medicine for you to enjoy the long-lasting effects of your medications.

Natural supplements are safer than their prescribed counterparts

People tend to often have confusion between the words “healthy” and “normal”. Natural supplements don’t always mean “healthy”. In line with this, patients should be reminded that the FDA standards for natural supplements are much weaker than the standards for approved drugs. Natural supplement’s side effects may not even be listed on their label, and supplements also can have conflicts with certain medications.

Medications are best stored in the bathroom or near the kitchen sink

Keep in mind that medications should be kept in a dry place and away from heat, and direct light. Some medications simply lose their potency once exposed to heat and humid environments. Careful precautions should always be advised.

Canadian drug prices are not excessive; we already get a reasonable deal on pharmaceuticals.

Confidential price negotiations usually widen the gap between drug prices in Canada, since smaller provincial drug plans have less negotiating power and discounts only apply to people who are covered by public plans.

A Pharmacist only knows about prescription medications

Pharmacists can easily assist and guide you with different types of medications and drugs such as vitamins and supplements. In fact, they are made to be aware of the substances that you are taking so that they can assist you accurately.

Pharmacare will reduce the choice of drugs to the detriment of patients.

Not all Pharmacare programs aim to cover most prescriptions. There are proposals to start universal coverage in Canada with a small list of essential drugs. Other prescriptions would continue to be paid for by the existing public and private plans or directly by patients.

The Philippines: The Contact Centre Outsourcing Destination of Choice for Australian Companies

Ralf Ellspermann, CEO of PITON-Global
Ralf Ellspermann, CEO of PITON-Global

In a study done just last year in Australia, 44% of people surveyed listed talking to a live person on the phone as their preferred method of communicating with a business. This means, despite all our technological advancements, from artificial intelligence to electronic gadgets, people still want to speak directly with people.

Communication is essential, but it’s often a hard thing for people to master. From differences in spoken language to low-context vs high-context communication and even non-verbal communication, there are many obstacles to clarity.

Despite all the technology at our disposal, contact centres are still needed, and we expect to see the industry continue to grow. On a global scale, projections show the contact centre industry growing to  $350 billion AUD annually,  with a 15% increase in total employees. Yes, you can say business is looking good.

This boom has come thanks in part to the rapid growth of global Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). This sector continues to be a major driver for the outsourcing industry as a whole worldwide.

Here are two more important statistics to note. 58% of consumers polled said that customer service is a major factor in purchasing decisions, and another 61% said they have stopped doing business with a company altogether after a poor interaction.

Call centres handle a wide array of roles and processes; they have begun to adopt the term contact centre to reflect this. These centres handle customer experience management, lead generation, telemarketing, collections, and tech support and pretty much anything else involved with direct customer contact. So, while contact centres are not in charge of just customer service, their primary function is to serve customers, and that is an important thing to understand.

To execute these functions, infrastructure is paramount. You cannot have communication without connectivity. Ralf Ellspermann, CEO of PITON-Global, a leading BPO provider in the Philippines, says, “For this, you need a reliable power grid. In more affluent countries, power can be taken for granted, going out only during storms. In countries that are on the rise, which are popular spots for BPO companies, the grids may not be so reliable. However, the Philippines recognises the urgency of dependable infrastructure. Here, the grid stays up and keeps your BPO partnership running smoothly.”

Another critical aspect is the ability of the contact centre staff to communicate clearly and effectively with your customers. “It is important to note how this process interacts directly with your customer base. It is essentially your public face, or more accurately, your voice, that is speaking directly with your customer base. In our digitally connected global marketplace, it is vital that your contact centre be a multilingual one,” explains Ellspermann.

Where do you turn for this?

You guessed it—the Philippines’ contact centre industry, which is richly endowed with a workforce of experienced, well-educated, and multi-lingual professionals. “This advantage—the ability to field calls and communicate with customers all over the world—cannot be overstated,” Ellspermann adds.

With companies like PITON-Global leading the way, you are in the safest of hands when it comes to outsourcing your call centre operation. Every business decision you make reflects your company to the public, and contact centre operations are no different. In fact, in many ways, they are one of the most visible. As you make your decision, weigh the importance of your BPO partner’s ability to communicate effectively with your customer, 7×24. And be sure to consider the unrivalled world champion in contact centre outsourcing, the Philippines.

Struggling to break into the workforce? Here’s why you should pursue a Diploma of Marketing and Communication

Diploma of Marketing and Communication

A Diploma of Marketing and Communication is an incredibly valuable and practical qualification that will open many doors for you. The course provides students with the necessary acumen, skills, and expertise to thrive in a corporate space. So, if this course interests you, here are some of the critical pieces of information you need to know about the Diploma of Marketing and Communication.

Learning new skills and capabilities

The course consists of both practical and theoretical components relating to marketing. Across both these components, you will learn the following:

  • Lead and manage a diverse team
  • Develop and coordinate financial budgets and plans
  • Implement, evaluate and alter plans and activities
  • Pinpoint and appraise opportunities (e.g. SWOT analysis)
  • Design and implement an integrated strategic plan

You’ll pick up some comprehensive work experience and a plethora of knowledge that you can subsequently apply to your workplace. Depending on the institution you attend, the degree generally takes 12-18 months to complete (which changes based on full-time or part-time study loads).

Benefit from strong industry demand

There’s a lot of demand for graduates with a Diploma of Marketing and Communication. As the world shifted to eCommerce and online channels throughout 2020, there has been more and more demand for jobs in this area. Advances made in digital technology and the wider industry have seen the sector grow, stimulating employment demand.

This degree can take you places

On top of this, a Diploma of Marketing and Communication can help you scale the workplace hierarchy, ensuring you can access high-end managerial positions. Relevant job titles include public relations manager, product manager, SEO manager, digital content manager or promotions lead. With this degree on your resume, there are literally hundreds of job titles that you are eligible for. You need to start exploring and applying.

Varied delivery of classes

Given the tumultuous year 2020, it’s easy for people to be a little apprehensive about attending in-person classes, seminars and lectures. Thankfully, most institutions have adapted to such uncertainty and have developed new processes that allow for the delivery of courses, resources and assessments via online channels.

For those who prefer attending face-to-face classes, most institutions and universities provide students with this service. These classes are delivered in an environment that is cognisant of social distancing and relevant spacing rules in confined spaces.

Relevant, challenging assessments

Moreover, a Diploma of Marketing and Communication will be assessed through various assessment types, including conventional examinations, reports, essays, group presentations, individual portfolios and an assortment of other tasks. While these tasks will not cause you sleepless nights and endless anxiety, they will challenge you to engage in an array of challenging scenarios. You’ll be encouraged to devise new solutions to different problems relating to promotional activities, digital content management, social media and other online channels.

Relaxed entry requirements

Thankfully, the entry requirements for a Diploma of Marketing and Communication are quite relaxed. However, these prescriptions change from place to place, so make sure you read the course outline and eligibility criteria before applying. Some institutions might have prerequisite courses or English level mandates, which means you might have to do a little extra study or work before applying.

Conclusion

So, there are many excellent advantages of pursuing a Diploma of Marketing and Communications this year and into the future. With this qualification in hand, you’ll instantly be opening doors for you, ensuring you have access to some of the best employment opportunities in the industry. All you need to do is apply.