The province is reminding Saskatchewan patients that pharmacists can prescribe certain medications when they are needed.
The Ministry of Health and the Pharmacists' Association of Saskatchewan are working to ensure the public understands the available prescribing services, which began in March of 2011.
The services included extending refills on existing prescriptions, altering missing information or a dosage form on a prescription, and providing emergency supplies of prescribed medications.
Since June of 2011, community pharmacists can prescribe certain medications for specific minor ailment conditions, including minor acne, insect bites, cold sores, allergic rhinitis, oral thrush, diaper rash and canker sores.
Between Jan. 1 and June 30, about 48,000 residents accessed pharmacist prescribing services, and between Feb. 1 and June 30, about 550 residents accessed minor ailments prescribing services.
There are about 1,300 practising pharmacists and more than 350 licensed community pharmacies in Saskatchewan.
