Pharmacists' new power to treat and prescribe will come with a fee
A recent move to grant pharmacists in Newfoundland and Labrador the ability to prescribe medication and treat certain conditions will come with a cost.
On Tuesday, the provincial government announced that pharmacists will be able to to provide care and prescribe drugs for "minor ailments."
Newfoundland and Labrador Pharmacy Board registrar Margot Priddle said there will be a cost associated with the service, but that each pharmacy will differ in what they can treat and how much they charge.
"The fees may vary from pharmacy to pharmacy, as well as the services," she said.
"Not all pharmacies will offer all services."
There are 29 conditions included, such as acne, cold sores and problems for acid reflux — all things that people would typically go to a pharmacy for.
Pharmacists will need special authorization from the province's health boards in order to provide treatment. As well, each pharmacy be required to have a special room to ensure patient privacy.
All about accessibility
Priddle said the government's move to give pharmacists the ability to charge for certain services is more about providing accessible health care than about cutting costs.
"It's all about accessibility and recognizing that there are other ways to deliver health care services in our province," she said.
"A lot of people would probably appreciate that they can go to the pharmacy instead of waiting a long time in a waiting room."