Home / Health / Yukon Pharmacists Step Up Amid Doctor Shortage
Yukon Pharmacists Step Up Amid Doctor Shortage
20 Feb
Summary
- Pharmacists are expanding their healthcare role due to doctor shortages.
- Yukon government is gradually increasing pharmacist prescribing powers.
- Barriers remain for remote communities outside Whitehorse.
In the Yukon, pharmacists are significantly expanding their day-to-day healthcare responsibilities due to the ongoing shortage of family doctors and extended wait times at hospitals and clinics. A recent government initiative has permanently allowed pharmacists to extend and issue new prescriptions for common issues like urinary tract infections and pinkeye, building on earlier regulations that permitted vaccine administration.
This expansion is increasing patient visits to pharmacies for advice and treatment of minor ailments. Pharmacist Edmund Tan notes a rise in patients seeking help and prescribing for small issues, which helps alleviate the strain on primary access. However, Tan highlights that communities outside of Whitehorse face significant barriers to accessing these expanded pharmacy services.
The Yukon government is actively considering further expanding the scope of practice for pharmacists, recognizing that their training could be better utilized. Health Minister Brad Cathers acknowledged the potential for increased pharmacist roles to reduce emergency room and clinic visits. Consultations with pharmacists and doctors are planned to determine specific service expansions.
