From Monday, rapid tests will no longer be accessible free of charge to everyone in pharmacies. Only people deemed to be at high risk of complications and citizens benefiting from free medication under the public prescription drug insurance plan will have free access to these COVID-19 screening tests.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) made the announcement last March, specifying that rapid tests will be distributed in the 1,900 community pharmacies in Quebec until March 31, 2024.
Among those at high risk of complications who will still be able to get the tests for free are immunosuppressed adults, people aged 60 and over, pregnant women and adults living with a chronic illness.
People who do not meet these criteria will however be able to buy rapid tests in pharmacies, said the Quebec Association of Proprietary Pharmacists (AQPP), in a press release.
“Since the start of the program, Quebec pharmacies have distributed nearly 9,250,000 self-test kits. This demonstrates the strength of our network in reaching all Quebecers as part of a public program,” said AQPP President Benoit Morin in the same press release.
The distribution of rapid test kits will continue in schools and early childhood centers, the MSSS said.
This dispatch was produced with financial assistance from the Meta Exchange and The Canadian Press for News.