More Timely Access to Primary Health Care

Pharmacists ‘ready, willing, and capable’ to expand role: Local pharmacist

MORDEN — To improve community access to primary care, an elected Progressive Conservative government will expand the scope of pharmacists within Manitoba’s health-care system, Kathleen Cook, PC candidate for Roblin, announced today.

“Manitobans already rely on pharmacists for advice, medication management, and day-to-day support with their prescriptions,” said Cook. “PCs will empower pharmacists to make the most of their expertise and the confidence they’ve built with families.”

A Progressive Conservative government will enable Manitoba pharmacists to assess and prescribe medications for many minor diseases and conditions. This will allow pharmacists to offer more services and support patient care directly while freeing physicians to focus on more complex cases.

“Pharmacists are ready, willing, and capable of doing more for our patients than current regulations allow in Manitoba,” said Palak Patel, a pharmacist at Pharmasave Morden. “We welcome today’s announcement to expand pharmacists’ scope of practice and enable us to play a greater role in patient care. This is an important step toward bringing Manitoba in line with the rest of Canada and improving access to care.”

Currently, Manitobans can only access care from a pharmacist for 14 authorized services, leaving Manitoba with the most restricted scope of practice in the country. Across Canada, other provinces have expanded pharmacists’ authority to assess and prescribe for minor ailments, while Manitoba lags behind.

“Pharmacists are key points of care in the community, especially for rural families with limited access to other providers,” said Carrie Hiebert, PC candidate for Morden-Winkler. “Many rural and Northern communities are experiencing doctor or nursing shortages. Many don’t have clinics or emergency rooms. But they do have a pharmacist.”

Between 130,000 and 225,000 Manitobans currently lack access to primary care.

“Manitobans should not have to wait days to be treated for minor conditions like heartburn, a sore throat, or an uncomplicated rash, when a qualified pharmacist can safely manage that care,” said Cook. “Our PC plan will help more families get the care they need, when and where they need it.”

By expanding the scope of practice, Cook notes that Manitoba will also be able to better retain pharmacy professionals, students, and recent graduates who may otherwise look to other jurisdictions where they can utilize their full capabilities and potential.

Last week, Cook also introduced Bill 240 in the Legislature to enable pharmacists to prescribe for minor ailments. Not only are Progressive Conservatives committing to action if elected, PCs are already doing the work to improve access for Manitobans.

The provincial election will be held no later than October 5, 2027.

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