Pharmacists in Manitoba will soon be able to prescribe birth control.
Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara made the announcement, saying the changes should take effect in the coming days and weeks.
Trevor Shewfelt is a pharmacist at the Dauphin and Winnipegosis Clinic Pharmacy.
"Happily surprised," said Shewfelt. "Unfortunately, Manitoba has historically been one of the provinces where pharmacists are allowed to do the least amount of things. Pharmacists in Alberta and Quebec can do many things other than dispensing medication. Manitoba has lagged, so I was happily surprised when I found out the news."
Pharmacists will also be able to prescribe HIV medications. This is expected to come into effect later this summer. For Shewfelt, it's another positive.
"I'm sure it will take a little extra training on our behalf," offered Shewfelt. "If pharmacists can help people access HIV medication more easily, I can't see that being anything but a good thing."
Right now, patients must go to a doctor's office or a nurse practitioner to receive a prescription for birth control. That's followed by visiting a pharmacist to pick it up. The change means patients won't need to see a doctor or nurse practitioner to get birth control.
"Contraception is an overall benefit to public health. Being pregnant when you don't want to be is a huge burden to the pregnant person, their family, and society in general," ended Shewfelt. "The risk in oral contraception is very low. Anything that will make it easier for someone to access contraception and not have a baby when they don't want to, sounds like a win."
This will also make it easier for those without a family doctor.
