Starting January 1st pharmacists in Ontario will be able to prescribe treatments for 13 minor ailments, which until now required patients to see their primary care provider, walk in clinics or local hospital.
Ontario Pharmacists Association CEO Jason Bates says while this will allow patients the ability to get the care they require sooner and closer to home, there will be other benefits that will emerge.
“It reduces demand on hospitals, emergency departments, walk-in clinics, and family physicians. It also frees up time for our healthcare partners, allowing doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers to focus on more complex care cases.”
Patients can make a call to their pharmacy and make an appointment or drop into a pharmacy and speak with a pharmacist. A valid Ontario card mus be presented to access the service, which is publicly funded, if not they will be required to pay a fee.
Pharmacists will be able to offer prescriptions for:
- hay fever (allergic rhinitis);
- oral thrush (candidal stomatitis);
- pink eye (conjunctivitis; bacterial, allergic and viral);
- dermatitis (atopic, eczema, allergic and contact);
- menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea);
- acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD));
- hemorrhoids;
- cold sores (herpes labialis);
- impetigo;
- insect bites and hives;
- tick bites (post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent Lyme disease);
- sprains and strains (musculoskeletal); and
- urinary tract infections (UTIs).
“Expanding the ability of pharmacists to provide care is one more way we’re putting people at the centre of our health care system, making it easier, faster and more convenient to access health care in their community.” said Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones in a press release.
Additionally anyone seeking Paxlovid prescriptions for Covid-19 can also get one at their local pharmacy.
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