11/25/2025
Manitoba’s pharmacists listened closely to the Throne Speech for promises to expand access to the kind of primary care Manitobans deserve and pharmacists can deliver. Pharmacists are trained, willing, and able to help, and continue to await the green light from the provincial government.
The Manitoba government promised to expand Pharmacists’ scope of practice to include assessing patients for urinary tract infections (UTIs) but Manitoba Pharmacists have been doing this for years. In fact, Manitoba Pharmacists have assessed over 25,000 Manitobans in all corners of the province for UTI, providing high-quality, accessible primary care that has saved the government over $500,000.
The Manitoba government promised to expand the scope of practice for Pharmacists to other common ailments. This is welcome news if the provincial government adds to the list of the 14 minor ailments already in Pharmacists’ scope of practice, and it negotiates to actually pay Pharmacists for the time and expertise needed to assess patients. Many other provinces have expanded the scope of practice for Pharmacists well beyond Manitoba and pays Pharmacists a fee for assessing patients (similar to how physicians are paid to examine patients). For example, pharmacists in Saskatchewan can assess and prescribe for strep throat - a service not currently allowed in Manitoba.
Manitoba’s pharmacists would be happy to assess and prescribe patients on both routine and emergency contraceptives, and are often the most accessible care providers, especially on weekends and after hours. We have been urging the provincial government to take this action for many months and welcome the opportunity to negotiate a fee that recognizes the importance and value of Pharmacists providing this crucial service.
Finally, Manitoba pharmacists absolutely value the vital role of physicians and will work with them and the government to ensure the best possible collaboration that ensures Manitobans get the best possible care.
We look forward to working with the government to ensure these commitments translate into real, measurable improvements in access to care.
