Thursday June 29, 2023 | VANCOUVER, BC
by Mary P Brooke, B.Sc. | Island Social Trends
Starting today Thursday, June 29, 2023, British Columbians can book an appointment to see a pharmacist through a new provincial online booking system, making it even easier and more convenient to access the health care they need.
That announcement was made yesterday by Premier David Eby and Health Minister Adrian Dix at a London Drugs outlet in Vancouver.
On June 1, 2023, the scope of practice of pharmacists in BC was expanded to allow them to prescribe for 21 minor ailments and contraceptives and the service is popular! As of June 27, more than 25,000 people have already seen a pharmacist for an assessment.
“New hospitals and clinics will help meet people’s health-care needs over the long term, but we are also taking action today to make it easier for people to access the care they need now,” said Premier David Eby. “Starting tomorrow, people will be able to book an appointment online to see a pharmacist. This is a major step toward getting the health care you need, on your schedule, and in your neighbourhood.”
Online booking system:
The new online booking system is similar to the Get Vaccinated system where people booked appointments to get their COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations. Through the new online booking system, people can search for available appointment times at nearby pharmacies based on their minor ailment or contraceptive needs. Appointments can continue to be made by calling or visiting a pharmacy. Walk-in service without an appointment is also available at some pharmacies.
“Since June 1, 2023, when pharmacists became able to assess minor ailments, they have provided care to thousands of people in B.C. who are in need of this service,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health.
“The high uptake not only demonstrates the value of the service of pharmacists to the public but also the continued dedication of pharmacists to their patients’ care. The online booking system will make it even easier for people to book an appointment with a pharmacy and is an important step toward improving access to health care, while continuing to build a stronger public health-care system for all of us,” said Dix.
Universal coverage:
On April 1, 2023, the Province implemented universal coverage for more than 60 commonly used birth-control methods, including oral contraceptives, copper and hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants, hormonal injections and the morning-after pill. British Columbia is the first province in Canada to provide free contraceptives.
Between April 1 and May 19, 2023, pharmacists dispensed contraceptives to more than 81,000 patients under the new policy at no cost.
“Pharmacists are pleased to see this system in place,” said Chris Chiew, president, BC Pharmacy Association. “It makes it easier for people in B.C. to quickly find a pharmacy to get a prescription for contraception or a minor ailment like pink eye or a simple urinary tract infection. Pharmacists are here to support patients needing convenient access to care.”
Yesterday Chiew said that there has been a brisk uptake on customers coming in for contraception.
Healthy workforce:
The pharmacists’ scope of practice expansion is an action from B.C.’s Health Human Resources Strategy, announced on Sept. 29, 2022, which ensures people get the health services they need and are cared for by a healthy workforce. The strategy focuses on 70 actions to recruit, train and retain health-care workers, while redesigning the health-care system to foster workplace satisfaction and innovation.
Family doctor payment model:
As part of the strategy, the Province is also implementing a new family-doctor payment model to help more family doctors start or continue their practice; adding more post-secondary training seats for doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses and allied-health professionals; making it easier for internationally educated health professionals to enter B.C.’s health-care system; and adding more supports for people living in rural, remote and First Nations communities, including virtual health-care and travel programs.
Yesterday Dix said that 590 family doctors are now taking new patients under the new deal with the Doctors of BC. The new arrangement reflects the time it takes to deal with multiple health issues rather than just one fee per patient appointment.
===== GOVERNMENT LINKS:
To book an appointment to see a pharmacist and to learn about the new minor ailments and contraceptives service