Ontario Proposes Expansion of Pharmacists' Role to Include More Minor Ailments

The proposal aims to ease the burden on the healthcare system but faces opposition from doctors concerned about patient safety.

Ontario plans to allow pharmacists to assess and treat additional minor ailments, including sore throat, mild headaches, and shingles.
The proposed expansion includes the ability for pharmacists to administer more vaccines, such as tetanus, diphtheria, and shingles.
Doctors argue that pharmacists lack the extensive training required to diagnose and treat conditions that may appear minor but could be serious.
Pharmacists see the expansion as a way to reduce the strain on family doctors and emergency rooms by leveraging their professional expertise.
The Ontario Ministry of Health is seeking public feedback on the proposal until October 20, 2024.