Provincial Pharmacists Able to Prescribe for More Minor Health Conditions
Saskatchewan is broadening the range of health conditions for which pharmacists can provide patient care. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to empower pharmacists, who are highly educated healthcare professionals, to fully utilize their knowledge and skills in serving the healthcare needs of Saskatchewan residents.
Under this expanded scope of practice, pharmacists will now have the authority to prescribe medications for the treatment of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, as well as recurrent genital herpes in both men and women.
“Pharmacists prescribing in specific circumstances provides patients with improved access to health care services,” Health Minister Everett Hindley said. “Pharmacists are valuable members of our health care team and these expansions allow them to maximize the use of their skill set for Saskatchewan patients.”
Pharmacists are required to take training and meet competency requirements as established by the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals and follow mandatory prescribing guidelines.
“It’s exciting to see a growing list of minor ailments for which pharmacists can prescribe medications,” Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals registrar Jeana Wendel said. “It’s a big step in keeping the public safe while easing pressures on the health system.”
Saskatchewan pharmacists were first granted the authority to prescribe for four minor ailments in 2011. Since that time, the list has expanded to 30 conditions, including the two new conditions. The full list of conditions is available at https://saskpharm.ca/site/forthepublic/healthcareservices?nav=sidebar
There are approximately 1,220 practicing pharmacists in more than 425 licensed community pharmacies in Saskatchewan. Since 2007, that is an increase of nearly 340, or 38 per cent, more pharmacists across Saskatchewan communities delivering care.
Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
