Health Minister Adrian Dix says a new human resources strategy for heath care professionals will focus on retention, recruiting, training, and redesigning the health care system.
Part of that redesign includes expanding the authority granted to pharmacists and paramedics.
Beginning on October 14th, pharmacists will be able to adapt or renew most prescriptions, and administer a wider range of drugs via injection or intranasally.
Pharmacists will be able to renew prescriptions for up to 2 years, and will have additional support for patients with no family doctor.
By spring of 2023, the Ministry aims to have regulations in place enabling pharmacists to prescribe drugs for minor ailments, such as allergies, indigestion and acne, and for contraception.
Paramedics and first responders, depending on licensing level, will also be able to provide expanded life support and diagnostic services on scene and during transport.
Those are just portions of the multi-year plan, which also includes investments in expanding training seats at UBC and Simon Fraser University.
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