Pharmacists Can Prescribe Contraceptives, Treatments For Minor Ailments

Beginning Thursday, B.C. residents can get prescriptions from their pharmacist for contraceptives and medications to treat 21 minor ailments, such as allergies, shingles, cold sores, pink eye and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

“We are delivering on our commitment to give pharmacists the power to provide prescriptions,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health on Wednesday, May 30, 2023. 

“Starting tomorrow, people can go to their local pharmacy to get the medication they need for many minor ailments and contraceptives. This not only makes it easier and faster for patients to access these services, it also takes pressure off the primary-care providers and our public health-care system as a whole.”

To access the new minor ailment and prescription contraception service, B.C. residents with a Personal Health Number (PHN) can visit a pharmacy in person or call to schedule an appointment. Starting June 29th, they can also book appointments online.

Through the new service, a pharmacist can make an assessment of the patient’s symptoms, check their medical history and recommend an appropriate treatment, which may include self-care advice, over-the-counter medications or prescription medications. 

Suzanne Solven, CEO of the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia says new regulations and standards of practice that are now in place will ensure the public has increased access to safe and professional prescribing services.

The online appointment booking system will be similar to the Get Vaccinated system that people used to book COVID-19 and influenza vaccination appointments. 

Health Minister Adrien Dix says the new booking system will make B.C. the first jurisdiction in Canada to offer a provincewide online booking system to see a pharmacist.

To see the full release, visit Government of British Columbia.