Local pharmacist says being able to prescribe some meds will help patients in a pinch
A St. Thomas, Ont. pharmacist is applauding a move by the provincial government to give pharmacists the ability to prescribe drugs for minor ailments.
However, she admitted there are still some unanswered questions, like how the service will be paid for.
Pharmacist Minh Nguyen at First Ave Pharmacy said she likes the idea that it could save patients a trip to the doctor, or a long wait in an emergency room.
“It’s going to help a lot of patients,” said Nguyen.
“A lot of times, certain conditions, like a bladder infection, you need an antibiotic right away,” Nguyen explained. “And a lot of times it’s not always easy to go see your doctor or go to a walk-in clinic. Pharmacists are the most accessible health care professionals, so we can help them.”
As of Jan. 1, 2023, pharmacists will be allowed to prescribe medications for minor ailments.
The expanded scope of pharmacists’ practice applies to the following conditions, as listed by the Ontario College of Pharmacists:
- Allergic rhinitis
- Candidal stomatitis (oral thrush)
- Conjunctivitis (bacterial, allergic and viral)
- Dermatitis (atopic, eczema, allergic and contact)
- Dysmenorrhea
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Hemorrhoids
- Herpes labialis (cold sores)
- Impetigo
- Insect bites and urticaria (hives)
- Tick bites, post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent Lyme disease
- Musculoskeletal sprains and strains
- Urinary tract infections (uncomplicated)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.
LGBTQ2S+ rallies to be held across Canada, billed as largest since marriage equality
Organizations across the country are gearing up for what they describe as the largest LGBTQ2S+ mobilization since the push for marriage equality.
Toronto Catholic school board trustees vote against flying 'pro-life' flag
Catholic public schools across Toronto will not be flying the "pro-life" flag in the month of May after school board trustees voted against it.