Pharmacists across Ontario can now treat half a dozen more minor ailments for patients.
Health Minister Sylvia Jones announced the move during a news conference Sunday morning.
“Expanding the list of common ailments pharmacists can treat, people will now get faster, more convenient access to the care they need closer to home, while helping to further reduce wait times at our community clinics and hospitals,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Pharmacist prescribing has been a huge success and Ontario is now one of the leading jurisdictions in Canada in providing convenient health care services through pharmacies.”
The expanded list includes acne, canker sores, diaper rash, yeast infections, parasitic worms, and pregnancy nausea. That’s in addition to 13 additional issues for which pharmacists can prescribe medication.
As with visiting a family physician or walk-in clinic, Ontarians can receive a prescription from a pharmacist for common ailments with just their Ontario health card. The cost of the medication being prescribed will continue to be paid for by people directly or through their drug benefits plan.
Recent changes by the province also allow pharmacists to administer certain injection and inhalation treatments so that they can better care for people who need help taking certain medications, such as insulin, vitamin B12, or osteoporosis treatment. Ontarians can now access this service at their local pharmacy for a “professional fee,” similar to fees to receive travel vaccines.
