Ontarians suffering from 15 common illnesses can go directly to their pharmacist to get a prescription without going through the doctor since January 1.
The Ontario government has indicated that pharmacists have the right to prescribe medications to treat common ailments such as hay fever, hemorrhoids and urinary tract infections.
To obtain this service, residents simply present their health card to the participating pharmacist.
The Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall chains report that their branches are ready to provide this service starting today.
However, Ontario Pharmacists Association CEO Justin Bates says customers will have to expect a transition period. He says Ontarians should call their pharmacist or visit their website to see if they’re ready to fill prescriptions.
The Ontario government offered the same advice, pointing out that the program is optional.
He stressed that this new program will cost Ontarians nothing. It will allow physicians to deal with more complex medical cases.
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