Ontario- Ontario is preparing to give pharmacists the authority to prescribe medications for 14 additional health conditions, a move the provincial government says will ease the burden on family doctors and emergency rooms. The proposed regulations, now under consultation, would expand pharmacists’ scope beyond the current list of 19 ailments to include issues such as shingles, swimmer’s ear, and sore throats.
The government’s plan also extends to other health professionals. Optometrists could be allowed to perform certain minor surgeries, some psychologists could prescribe medications for mental health conditions, and providers like dental hygienists and physiotherapists could order diagnostic tests, including MRIs and CT scans. With wait times for MRIs averaging 75 days and CT scans 38 days, officials argue these changes could improve access to care while freeing up doctors to focus on more complex cases.
While pharmacy leaders welcomed the proposal, the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) raised concerns about patient safety. OMA president Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman argued that many health professionals lack the extensive training of family doctors and risk missing underlying conditions or causing harmful medication interactions. She urged the province to instead expand public health care coverage, particularly in mental health, and implement a digital medical records system to strengthen continuity of care.
Pharmacy representatives countered that their training in medications makes them well equipped to handle prescribing responsibilities. Justin Bates, CEO of the Ontario Pharmacists Association, emphasized that pharmacists are already providing this service safely for millions of patients. Optometrists and psychologists also highlighted ongoing training programs designed to prepare them for their expanded roles.
The debate comes as Ontario faces a shortage of primary care providers, with an estimated 2.5 million residents lacking a family doctor. The Ford government has pledged to connect every resident with a physician by 2029, but many health-care professionals say immediate action is needed. By broadening prescribing powers, officials hope to address urgent access gaps, while critics warn it may fragment care if safeguards are not put in place.