Ontario gives pharmacists the green light to provide prescriptions for common ailments

There’s a lot more now on offer with a trip to the pharmacy. Those suffering from common ailments such as rashes, pink eye or urinary tract infections can skip the long lines at a doctor’s office and head to their area pharmacy instead.

A new move by the Ontario government now means pharmacists are able to prescribe medication options for people facing one of 13 common ailments, and all they have to do is show their health card.

“We can do an assessment for the patients, take their concerns and can prescribe an antibiotic,” said Peter Meleka, owner of Erin Pharmacy. “That would save a patient a long waiting time in the emergency room or trying to find an open clinic or walk-in clinic to do the same thing. I think that would be easier for people.”

A common ailment is a health condition that can be reliably self-diagnosed and managed with self-care strategies and minimal treatment. Pharmacists will be able to offer prescriptions for hay fever, oral thrush, pink eye, dermatitis, menstrual cramps, acid reflux, hemorrhoids, cold sores, impetigo, insect bites and hives, tick bites, sprains and strains and urinary tract infections.

“The most common cases I see (are) pink eye, UTIs and also oral thrush,” said Meleka. He said access to a pharmacist is easier than a visit to a doctor, especially during the holiday season, when clinics are closed and pharmacies are open. The provincial government agrees.

“Stopping by your local pharmacy for quick and easy access to treatment for some of your most common ailments increases your access to the care you need closer to home,” said Sylvia Jones, Ontario’s deputy premier and health minister. “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.”

Sanjay Gandhi, a pharmacist at Rolling Hills Pharmacy in Orangeville, said it is an exciting time for pharmacists.

“We’re pleased to be able to provide this service and level of care for our patients and look forward to slowly implementing this into our practice.”

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