Cook Introduces Bill to Expand Scope of Manitoba Pharmacists, Improve Access to Care
WINNIPEG — On Wednesday, Progressive Conservatives introduced Bill 240, The Pharmaceutical Amendment Act, enabling Manitoba pharmacists to prescribe medications for many minor diseases and conditions.
“Manitobans deserve a healthcare system that actually delivers care when they need it,” said Roblin MLA Kathleen Cook, PC Critic for Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care. “Our pharmacists are capable of far more than this province currently allows. Bill 240 brings Manitoba in line with other provinces.”
Under Cook’s bill, Manitobans would be able to visit their local pharmacy for treatment of several minor ailments, including:
- minor joint or muscle pain;
- menstrual cramps;
- seasonal allergy symptoms and cold sores;
- sore throat and strep throat;
- eczema, dandruff, contact dermatitis, hives, and shingles; and
- heartburn and nausea, among various other conditions.
Currently, Manitoba pharmacists can only provide assessments and prescriptions for 14 medical conditions, the lowest among all provinces. In British Columbia, the second lowest, pharmacists can assess and prescribe for 31 medical conditions, while those in Saskatchewan and Alberta can do 41 and 58 respectively.
In addition to building primary care capacity, expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice will improve pharmacist retention in Manitoba. According to a Pharmacists Manitoba survey, 62% of Manitoba’s current pharmacy students are planning on leaving the province in pursuit of opportunities where they can utilize their full training and potential.
A recent poll found that 82% of Manitobans support an expanded scope of practice for pharmacists.
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