Nardine Nakhla, a pharmacist and professor at the University of Waterloo, supported the idea, saying such a move would allow more residents to access occupational health care more conveniently and take a break from the conventional healthcare system.
“Right now, patients with a minor condition who need prescription treatment need to see their doctor, clinic or local hospital,” Nakhla said.
“Often patients wait days for an appointment or end up visiting a clinic or emergency department. Allowing pharmacists to provide support to these patients will improve the efficiency of the health care system and the patient experience,” he said.
Nakhal said more than 95 percent of Ontario patients live five kilometers from a community pharmacist, adding that these community pharmacists are easily accessible and knowledgeable about medicines.
He said the change would be just another way for pharmacists to support their patients, especially outside the traditional nine- to five-hour opening hours of many clinics.
Pharmacists also serve patients in many other clinics, from hospitals to long-term care facilities, family health teams and more, where the expansion of the service will have an impact, Nakhla said.
He described that minor illness is a health condition that patients can reliably diagnose and that can be treated with self-care strategies or minimal treatment, which may include prescription drugs.
The proposed regulation change would allow pharmacists to prescribe the following conditions:
Urinary tract infections Dermatitis, such as atopic, eczema, allergic and contact Insect bites and blisters, including tick bites Conjunctivitis Allergic rhinitis Candida stomatitis, or chewing gum Cold sores, also known as cold sores Hemorrhoids Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD Dysmenorrhea, or period cramps Musculoskeletal sprains and strains Facial eczema
Nakhla said the Ontario proposal is still under consideration, although the practice is allowed in most Canadian provinces.
“We do not yet know exactly when pharmacists will be able to provide these services. If final approval is made quickly, the changes may take effect on July 1, 2022. If the approval lasts longer, the application date may be postponed until “January 1, 2023,” he said.
