Pharmacists across the province can now assess
and prescribe for 13 minor ailments
TORONTO, Jan. 3, 2023
/CNW/ - As of January 1, pharmacists
across Ontario can now better
support patients by assessing and prescribing treatment for 13
minor conditions, including cold sores, pink eye, allergic
rhinitis, hemorrhoids, hives and urinary tract infections, among
others. These services are publicly funded and available for
patients with a valid Ontario
health card, meaning there is no out of pocket charge for
patients.
"Canada's healthcare system is
faced with a number of complex challenges, all of which require
innovation and collaboration to resolve," said Jeff Leger, President, Shoppers Drug Mart.
"Today's announcement optimizes the role of Ontario pharmacists by unlocking their
potential to be a part of those collective solutions. We applaud
the Ontario government for this
move and for recognizing that pharmacists are uniquely qualified to
help to address some of the gaps that have emerged in primary
healthcare systems, providing patients with more options when
accessing healthcare services."
Minor ailments are described as uncomplicated and typically
short-term health conditions that can be managed with self-care
strategies and minimal treatment or follow-up required.i
With most Ontarians living close to a community
pharmacy,ii pharmacists can offer timely services to
patients, helping Ontarians avoid wait times – particularly those
who experience barriers to accessing other health care
services.iii Today's announcement is projected to reduce
one third of avoidable emergency department
visits.iv
Pharmacists are already a trusted and integral part of
Ontario's public health system,
working in collaboration with other healthcare practitioners to
provide high-quality care to Ontarians. They conduct medication
reviews and consultations, administer vaccines and advise patients
on health concerns.
"Empowering pharmacists to use their expertise to assess and
treat minor ailments helps patients get the care they need sooner
and closer to home – but the benefits go much further. 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," says Justin Bates, CEO,
Ontario Pharmacists Association.
Accessing care for minor ailments is simple and easy – Ontarians
can book an appointment online or through the PC Health app or can
visit their local Shoppers Drug Mart or Loblaw pharmacy.
About Shoppers Drug Mart
Inc.
Shoppers Drug Mart Inc. is one of the most recognized and
trusted names in Canadian retailing. The company is the licensor of
full-service retail drug stores operating under the name Shoppers
Drug Mart® (Pharmaprix® in Québec). With
almost 1,350 Shoppers Drug Mart® and
Pharmaprix® stores operating in prime locations in each
province and two territories, the company is one of the most
convenient retailers in Canada.
The company also licenses or owns 47 medical clinic pharmacies
operating under the name Shoppers Simply Pharmacy®
(Pharmaprix Simplement Santé® in Québec). As well, the
company owns and operates 43 corporate Wellwise by Shoppers Drug
Mart™ stores and an ecommerce site Wellwise.ca, making it the
largest Canadian retailer of home health care products and
services. In addition to its retail store network, the company owns
the Medical Cannabis by Shoppers™ online platform for the sale
of medical cannabis, Shoppers Drug Mart Specialty Health Network
Inc., a provider of specialty drug distribution, pharmacy and
comprehensive patient support services, MediSystem Inc., a
provider of pharmaceutical products and services to long-term care
facilities and Lifemark Health Group, Canada's leading provider of outpatient
physiotherapy, massage therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic,
mental health, and other ancillary rehabilitation services.
Shoppers Drug Mart is an independent operating division of Loblaw
Companies Limited.
Local Shoppers Drug Mart/Loblaw Corporation network
pharmacists are available for interview upon request. For
more information contact: pr@Loblaw.ca
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i https://www.ocpinfo.com/practice-education/expanded-scope-of-practice/minor-ailment/
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ii
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/17151635221087621
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iii
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/17151635221087621
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iv https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/17151635221087621
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SOURCE Shoppers Drug Mart