The province has taken steps to make it easier and more convenient for Ontario residents to get prescriptions for some of the most common medical ailments.The new policy comes into effect on Jan. 1, 2023.
Local pharmacists will be allowed to provide prescription medicines for 13 of the most common ailments among residents.
The Ministry of Health said this will include medicines for common rashes, pink eye, insect bites and urinary tract infections, just by presenting a valid health card. The province said this service makes it more convenient to access care by removing the need for a doctor’s office visit and will come at no extra cost to Ontarians.
“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 Deputy Premier and Health Minister Sylvia Jones.
“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," she added.
Information provided by the health ministry said pharmacists will be able to offer prescriptions for:
- hay fever (allergic rhinitis);
- oral thrush (candidal stomatitis);
- pink eye (conjunctivitis; bacterial, allergic and viral);
- dermatitis (atopic, eczema, allergic and contact);
- menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea);
- acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD));
- hemorrhoids;
- cold sores (herpes labialis);
- impetigo;
- insect bites and hives;
- tick bites (post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent Lyme disease);
- sprains and strains (musculoskeletal); and
- urinary tract infections (UTIs).
