Les pharmaciens de l’Ontario autorisés à diagnostiquer et traiter différentes affections médicales, mais pas à prescrire des contraceptifs.

TORONTO – Pharmacists in Ontario can now diagnose and treat 19 common medical conditions, but they still cannot prescribe oral contraceptives or emergency contraception.

Justin Bates, CEO of the Ontario Pharmacists Association, says that the ability to prescribe these medications is necessary to address women’s health concerns.

He hopes that Ontario pharmacists will be able to prescribe contraceptive medications and emergency contraceptives by next year.

Contraceptive medications and emergency contraception are included on a new list of proposed prescription powers for 17 medical conditions recommended to the Ministry of Health by the Ontario College of Pharmacists.

Mr. Bates’ comments come after the province announced on Sunday the expansion of pharmacists’ prescription powers to include medications for acne, canker sores, diaper rash, yeast infections, parasitic worms, and pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.

These six health issues are added to the 13 common conditions for which Ontario pharmacists were already authorized to prescribe treatment, including conjunctivitis, menstrual cramps, and urinary tract infections.

Mr. Bates mentions that the new additions are welcome, but pharmacists in other provinces have the power to prescribe for many more conditions.

According to data from the Canadian Pharmacists Association, pharmacists in all provinces except Ontario, Manitoba, and the three territories can prescribe birth control pills and emergency contraceptives.

The board of the Ontario College of Pharmacists approved the proposed list of 17 medical conditions on September 19.

The list of medical conditions will have to be released for public consultation before the power to prescribe can be granted to pharmacists.

Mr. Bates says that the process is unlikely to be completed before 2024.

In addition to contraceptives and emergency contraception, prescriptions for the conditions under consideration include insomnia, lice, and erectile dysfunction.

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