Please see the media release below from the Government of New Brunswick:
FREDERICTON (GNB) – New Brunswickers have more options for health-care treatment now that pharmacists are publicly funded to address three more common ailments.
People can now be assessed and get a prescription at participating pharmacies for seasonal allergies, thrush and fungal infections of the skin (athlete’s foot, jock itch and ringworm) with no service fee.
“This is another step we’re taking toward providing better access to primary care for New Brunswickers and alleviating some of the stress on the health-care system,” said Health Minister John Dornan. “These types of health concerns are within the scope of practice of pharmacists in New Brunswick, and we continue to value the role pharmacists can play in helping New Brunswickers receive the right care at the right time from the right health professional.”
Pharmacists are now funded to assess and prescribe for 15 common ailments and services, and to administer certain vaccines; this helps divert patient traffic from emergency rooms, walk-in clinics and other primary care providers.
People are advised to check with their pharmacist in advance to find out which services are available, as providing these services is not mandatory. While the cost of the consultation for certain ailments is covered, patients are still responsible for the cost of prescribed medications.
More information about publicly funded services that pharmacists can offer is available online.