The Saskatchewan Government is launching a new service to test and treat strep throat and ear infections in pharmacies.
The new service is being offered in multiple communities across the province allowing pharmacists to provide one-stop testing for strep throat and ear infections. They will be able to prescribe and dispense medication to treat those conditions as well.
Eleven pharmacies have been selected to conduct testing for strep throat and assessment for ear infections. Locations include Kindersley and Meadow Lake, among others.
Another 37 sites have been chosen to offer ear infection assessments only. Centres offering these assements include, Estevan, Loon Lake and Meadow Lake, among others.
"We are pleased to launch this project, one of the first in Canada, which allows pharmacists the ability to offer patients greater access to health care services by providing testing and treatment in one visit," said Lori Carr, rural and remote health minister. "With this expanded scope of practice, pharmacists can make greater use of their skills and education, directly benefiting Saskatchewan residents."
In September 2024, the province announced an investment of over $700,000 to expand the ability of pharmacists to offer more care for patients. The training allows them to assess and test for strep throat and ear infections. With this new training, pharmacists can perform rapid testing for strep throat where samples are collected and tested on-site, with results available in 10 minutes.
"Providing pharmacists the ability to test and prescribe for strep throat and ear infections ensures patients have timely and appropriate access to care," said Chad Miskiman, Rexall Drugstore in Moose Jaw pharmacy manager.
The provincial government says it will be expanding to additional pharmacies in the future. For a full list of pharmacies offering the services you can visit the Government of Saskatchewan’s website.
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