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Ontario Pharmacists Will Soon Be Allowed to Prescribe Medication for 13 Common Ailments

Starting January 1st, pharmacists will be able to prescribe medication for issues like menstrual cramps, hives and pink eye

Pharmacists in Ontario will soon be able to prescribe medication for 13 common ailments. 

Starting on New Year's Day, Ontarians will be able to get a prescription for issues like rashes, pink eye, insect bites and urinary tract infections by showing a pharmacist their health card. 

Health Minister Sylvia Jones says this will make it easier to access health care, and cut down on doctor's visits. 

"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 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."

Pharmacists will be able to offer prescriptions for the following: 

  • hay fever
  • oral thrush
  • pink eye
  • dermatitis
  • menstrual cramps
  • acid reflux
  • hemorrhoids
  • cold sores 
  • impetigo
  • insect bites and hives;
  • tick bites
  • sprains and strains
  • urinary tract infections

The province says the service will come at no extra cost to Ontarians. 

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