Walmart pharmacists can offer patients immediate support for minor ailments, which lessens strain on Canada’s healthcare system while facilitating fast relief for those in need.Lisa Marie MacPhee
Nine provinces and one territory across the country now allow pharmacists to assess and prescribe for some minor ailments, and it’s helping more Canadians access much-needed care
Minor ailments are usually short-term health conditions that can be managed with minimal treatment and/or self-care strategies and that don’t usually require lab or blood tests to diagnose, such as mild acne, allergic rhinitis (nasal allergy symptoms), dandruff, eczema, UTIs and insect bites, among others. These are the types of conditions patients can bring to Walmart pharmacists for immediate support, lessening strain on Canada’s healthcare system while facilitating fast relief for those in need.
Recently, a patient approached Walmart pharmacy manager Joshua Sharpe about an itchy, burning rash that had developed on her lower back earlier that day.
After a consultation where Sharpe, who is based in Dieppe, New Brunswick, asked the patient some questions about her symptoms and gathered relevant medical information including allergies and medications, he was able to determine the patient had shingles.
He prescribed her antiviral medication and discussed non-medicinal treatments that could help soothe her symptoms, including cool compresses, medicated creams and over-the-counter pain relievers. He also explained what to expect from the medication and scheduled a follow-up to monitor therapy and outcomes.
Thanks to the expansion in the scope of practice across the country, pharmacists like Sharpe are able to provide this kind of immediate attention to minor health conditions.
As of January 1, 2023, Ontario joined New Brunswick and several other provinces in allowing pharmacists to assess and prescribe for 13 minor ailments. That is especially helpful for the many Canadians who don’t have a family doctor and would otherwise have to depend on walk-in clinics or urgent care clinics for even minor health complaints, such as a sprained ankle or pink eye.
Jason Winsor, pharmacy manager at Wal-Mart in Bedford, Nova Scotia.Lisa Marie MacPhee
Jason Winsor, pharmacy manager at Wal-Mart in Bedford, Nova Scotia, says that pharmacists’ expanded scope of practice gives Canadians faster access to treatments for minor conditions.
Most Canadians have easy access to a pharmacy – 60 per cent of Canadian households are within a 10-minute drive of a Walmart store – and according to Winsor, “most of the ailments we assess and prescribe for are time-sensitive, so they need treatment immediately.”
So, being able to receive care at a pharmacy saves patients time and money, since they won’t need to wait at a walk-in clinic or emergency room, Winsor says.
“Everyone’s time is important and this gives patients quick, convenient access to healthcare,” he says.
It also opens up access to healthcare services for the many people who don’t have a family doctor (six million across the country, according to a 2022 Angus Reid report).
In terms of cost, pharmacist assessments for minor ailments are publicly funded in Prince Edward Island and Ontario, as well as Saskatchewan if it leads to a prescription; in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, there is coverage for select conditions. A fee may apply in other provinces.
Sharpe has seen first-hand the numerous benefits that arise with pharmacists’ the expanded scope of practice. For example, he says pharmacists in New Brunswick being able to assess and prescribe for urinary tract infections has eased the burden on after-hours medical clinics.
Pharmacists are already considered the most accessible healthcare practitioner, says Sharpe. “Therefore, it only makes sense to utilize pharmacists and their expertise to take pressure away from areas of our healthcare system that are struggling, such as hospitals and medical clinics.”
Six million people across the country don't have access to a family doctor, so when pharmacists can assess and prescribe, it opens up access to healthcare services.SUPPLIED
Here’s how pharmacists can assess and prescribe in each province and territory (subject to pharmacist availability):
British Columbia
B.C. pharmacists will be able to assess and prescribe for minor ailments and contraception starting June 1.
Alberta
Since 2007, Alberta pharmacists have been able to prescribe medications, excluding narcotic or controlled substances, to treat acne, prenatal care, asthma and more, as well as contraception. Find a Walmart pharmacy near you to book an appointment.
Saskatchewan
In 2011, the province allowed pharmacists to assess and prescribe for ailments including eczema, cold sores, insect bites and stings and more, as well as for contraception. Book an appointment here.
Manitoba
Pharmacists have been able to prescribe for minor ailments such as acne, morning sickness, athlete’s foot and more since 2014. Find a Walmart pharmacy near you to book an appointment.
Ontario
As of January 2023, pharmacists are able to assess and prescribe for allergic rhinitis (nasal allergy symptoms), cold sores, tick bites and more. Book an appointment here.
Quebec
Since 2015, Quebec pharmacists have been able to assess and prescribe for conditions including eczema, menstrual pain and allergic rhinitis. Find a pharmacy near you and book an appointment here.
New Brunswick
As of 2014, pharmacists are allowed to assess and prescribe for mild acne, cold sores, joint pain and more, plus contraception. Find a Walmart pharmacy near you to book an appointment.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Since 2015, pharmacists have been able to assess and prescribe for ailments including canker sores, mild insomnia, diarrhea and more, as well as emergency contraception. Find a Walmart pharmacy near you to book an appointment.
Nova Scotia
As of 2011, pharmacists can assess and prescribe for indigestion, eczema, urinary tract infections and more, as well as contraception. Find a Walmart pharmacy near you to book an appointment.
Prince Edward Island
Since about 2014, pharmacists were given the approval to treat ailments including mild acne, eczema, cold sores and more, plus emergency contraception. Book an appointment here.
Yukon
Since December 2022, pharmacists have been able to assess and treat urinary tract infections, insect bites, sprains and more. Find a Walmart pharmacy near you to book an appointment.
Northwest Territories and Nunavut
These areas do not currently allow pharmacists to prescribe for minor ailments.
Find more information about how Walmart pharmacists can assist you with your health here.
Advertising feature produced by Globe Content Studio with Walmart. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.