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Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Pharmacists Could Provide More Services

You could be booking an appointment with your local pharmacist instead of a doctor to get certain health issues treated if the NB Pharmacist's Association has its way. Paul Blanchard of the Association says they want to see pharmacists have more freedom in assessing patients, adapting prescriptions, and more.

He says it makes sense, given that the first place most people head when they're sick is the pharmacy, because most of us like to self-treat. The new services would include developing yearly care plans for chronically ill patients, conducting medication reviews, injecting medications, and getting people their medication in emergencies.

Alberta has already given pharmacists that freedom--Blanchard says it makes sense given out shortage of doctors.